2004 firework thread

[Stuart]

I am in two minds about fireworks. Yes, I enjoy firework displays (my cousin usually puts on an excellent display each year). I have even been known to let off a few my self (it can be quite fun standing there for 5 minutes trying to light a rocket, only to have to run like hell when it ignites).

But, I can see the dark side. There are a LOT of people, young and old, who are terrified of fireworks. A lot of animals (both domestic and wild) are also terrified.

In recent years, we have had fireworks every weekend from about february on, hell, last year I even saw people firing rockets at our local safeways from one of the flats opposite. Luckily, the store was closed, and no one was injured.

I personally think the government is right to control the supply of fireworks.

[kay]

we av ad loads round ares there well cool some of me mates mums and dads have been settin some of as well

Originally Posted by Paul M

I wouldn't say that, and certainly not round here there isn't.

I was not talking specifically in any one location, I am mean throughout the UK, it has known to be a problem, why else would the government have introduced new laws otherwise?

Edit: Welcome to the site Kay.

Well i've noticed that Asda have fireworks for sale......... only saw them yesterday Didn't notice if there were any conditions of sale apart from the obvious ones concerning age.

I'd noticed it being particularly quiet this year....... but there is still time!! Diwali falls on November 11th this year....... so perhaps that's why. We still have the weeks of explosions and bright lights to come

[MovedGoalPosts]

Unfortunately the minority once again do their utmost to spoil things for the majority. We can go down the route of nanny state, legislating for everything until there is nothing left to enjoy. Or we can attempt to educate, and persuade to change behaviour patterns, and avoid Big Brother knows best syndrome. And for those who say education doesn't work, look at the commonly accepted view that drink driving is unacceptable (except a certain small hardcore of idiots), yet once it wasn't an issue.

Fireworks can be dangerous, even in the hands of the responsible, but if one is aware that there is a risk, and makes the choice to accept that risk, is it really reasonable to say a member of the public should not hold their own firework party? Life without any form of risk to many would be extremely tedious.

Abuse of fireworks is undoubtedly a significant issue. Too many are now disturbed for many nights in a row by the indiscriminate use of fireworks. Over the last few years it has become the norm for fireworks to serenade any form of celebration. As more bang for your buck garden display fireworks have become more common, so this frequent disturbance issue has become more problematic.

Legislation that fireworks may not be used after 11:00pm, except for special occasions is in my view reasonable. Indeed I am not convinced that even on the 5th November there is a need for the time relaxation, Bonfire Night itself is not exactly marking a specific time, unlike certain other events like new year. However one does wonder how well this time constraint can be enforced, and by whom. By the time most police or other agency arrives on site, the evidence will literally have gone up in smoke.

Perhaps a large part of the problem is the changing British social scene. Even organised displays are now frequently scheduled for weekend dates either side of the actual 5th November event, so as to allow for maximum attendance. This attitude to moving events to when they are best for the organiser and attendees, rather than being restricted to the exact date is happening at all social levels. It is thus hardly surprising that we get the barrage of fireworks over a long period.

Maybe a sensible option would be to better control the point of sale of fireworks. We are seeing a trend towards specialist shops selling, rather than the corner newsagent. Perhaps all vendors should be better licenced and controlled, rather like we do with off licences, so that there is reduced accessibility to the firework by the under age idiots who will persist in letting the things of in stupid locations. Certainly the specialist shops I go to appear responsible, even to the extent of helping to work out a good variety range, describing the appropriate effects, so as to enable a vibrant effective party display.

Good points, all round, there, MGP - especially the one about events becoming 'moveable feasts'.

[Halcyon]

Have heard them for the past two weeks now.

[paulyoung666]

Originally Posted by kay

we av ad loads round ares there well cool some of me mates mums and dads have been settin some of as well

but dont you think it would be better for all concerned to restrict them to only a couple of nights a year , i know i do

[carlingman]

Well like everything else these days it seems the event known as †œbonfire night or guy fawkes nightââ‚ƚ¬Ã‚ÂÂÂ� has been sensationally commercialised.

Not so long ago most people were aware that the 5th November was the day for this but unfortunately not anymore as from as early as October kicks in we get to endure outside most shops the constant cry of †œpenny for the guyââ‚Âà ‚¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂÂ� from the little chavs trying to scrape together enough for a pack of 10 fags.

It seems year after and year there are more and more accidents and children being injured and burnt by these and the tougher the restrictions get makes no odds as they still somehow find a loophole and way to get them.

I am not against them as long as it is a properly organised display which is far better value for money than the usual crap selection boxes they sell in supermarkets etc nor am my against an organised display at the home on the night in question as this can be done exceptionally well with usually the viewers behind a window or a safe distance back in big garden but what ****es me off is the fact that some people think letting these things off for 1 month prior and 1 month after is fair game as I do not enjoy watching my dog cower under the table unexpectedly.

I have to admit myself I do take my nieces to a properly organised display and enjoy that but it is the little scrotes that throw them around in public places or residential areas that need sorting out.

In one respect I welcome the laws to reduce the loudness of them but on the other respect feel sorry for the people living in the houses in close vicinity to the Rugby Club that holds our annual display as they and their pets will bear the full brunt all be it for one night only.

Myself here have to be very careful on the night as my partner is Catholic although not a dedicated practising one, but has on occasions questioned why myself go along with her Sister and children to in effect celebrate a foiled assassination attempt to murder the then Government in attempt to replace them with a Catholic regime which in essence is what Mr Fawkes did attempt to do.

It is a pity though that dog and other animals cannot seem to grasp the timings of these as my own dog nearly 3 year old German Shepherd is fine with the sound of my shotgun going off in a field miles from any houses and in the same field yet as he I suppose he can distinguish that the large pointy thingy in my hand is soon to be making a rather loud bang but yet when a firework goes off outside of the house he cannot distinguish and obviously treats this as a threat to his normally quiet habitat and retreats cowering under the table.

I cannot say I am in favour of a ban but the restrictions they have adopted seem to be a step in the right direction by reducing the noise levels and the hours and the times of year they can be used.

If only they could enforce it a little better so that it does not have to be endured from October to Mid November then I guess this would make a lot happier.

In closing I should add though in fairness as my post only refers to November 5th I also would not object to other recognised events for the day celebration i.e. New Years Eve and Diwali.

[etccarmageddon]

we had a 20 min session of explosions last night from 12.15am

Still no sight or sound of them.I thought Gosport was Chav Central too so I'm wondering if they are planning some really organised do for the actual night.


The thought makes me want to leave town.

Several bangers and rockets a night for about the last week around here, but we do live in Chav Central.

[dilli-theclaw]

There were a couple of bangs around here last night - but it's still very quiet overall.

I think the local's are saving themselves

[dilli-theclaw]

I hear on the local grapevine that the locals were busy last night firing rockets at each other!!!

Also what's stupid is that there a few people letting them off right now - during the DAY...

My local shop keeper is not selling any this year - he said alot of the bigger louder fireworks are banned and the smaller firework selection boxes aren't worth selling....