Fireworks on sale today!

Tuesday 29 October 2019

Fireworks go on sale in Guernsey today ahead of 'Budloe' celebrations, and will be available until Bonfire Night.

This year, the States have designated two days for private displays to be held; Saturday 2 and Tuesday 5 November between 18:30 and 20:30.

Anyone planning a firework event, no matter how small, is urged to register it on the States of Guernsey website informing neighbours and pet owners of the potential noise.

"The fireworks are going on sale later this year than any other season to try to limit the amount of irresponsibility there can be," said Mark Passmore, Co-Owner of Ballonees which stocks fireworks locally. "We have listened to a lot of people with concerns with pets and stables that it was too early in the season. When we met in a group with the Firework Officer, the police and the GSPCA it was decided to try to at least fit one weekend in and keep it to 5 November."

Pictured: A large range of fireworks are available at Oatlands and Balloonees.

In Guernsey, you have to be over the age of 20 to buy fireworks which are only available to the public around Bonfire Night.

The States are encouraging anyone buying the explosives to get them well in advance, read the instructions and check the wind direction before letting them off.

"About a month before the fireworks go on sale we go online and put our fireworks on [our website]," Mr Passmore explained. "They've got things like noise levels and even on the website it gives you the description of them and gives you a idea of what it does, so you can see if it's suitable for you.

"We even do little indoor fireworks and we do have small garden selection packs which, for younger kids and anyone with pets, are less intrusive in sound levels and flashes for them."

Those holding a display are advised to follow the HSE good practice guidance and speak to their neighbours ahead of the event.

Pictured: Sparklers cause more injuries each year in Guernsey than fireworks (file image).

As Bonfire Night approaches, the States of Guernsey are also advising parents to protect their children from the dangers of sparklers, which burn at about 1,000°C.

"We probably sell more sparklers than any other firework and, to me, sparklers cause more damage than a firework will because of the heat of it," added Mr Passmore. "If kids particularly don't have gloves on, skin burns will damage them. The handling is important and the disposal as well because they are hot rods, if you throw them on the ground they will stick on your shoes and things. Always wear gloves or a little plastic cup over your hand with it poking through to shield you from the sparks then put them out sensibly in a small bucket of water."

In Guernsey, sparklers cause more injuries each year than fireworks.

More information and safety tips are available here.

Pictured top: File image.