Planning fireworks? 5 tips to keep your neighbours on side

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If you’re planning a celebration or a big party, a fireworks display can be the perfect way to top off the evening and make it really memorable. Many people prefer to use the services of a professional fireworks display organiser, but you can plan and run a display yourself. All you need is enough space, great quality fireworks, a little knowledge and a healthy dollop of common sense.

Consider your neighbours

If you’re having a display in your back garden, or in a residential area, it is very important to consider neighbouring properties and whether their occupants will be disturbed by the light and noise of your display. Fail to be considerate, and to take steps to keep everyone happy, and you could end up with some very angry neighbours. You could even get in trouble with the local authorities.

Here are 5 simple tips to keep everyone happy and have a fantastic fireworks display:

  1. Tell them well in advance

Make sure you visit each of your neighbours in turn at least a week before your party. Tell everyone the time of the display, roughly how long it will last and answer any questions your neighbours may have. You’d be amazed at how some advance notice and a friendly chat will cool any potential grievances and pave the way for your display. The noise may still inconvenience them, but at least you’ve informed (and perhaps apologised) in advance and they have the option to stay out for the evening if they wish.

 

  1. Stick within sociable (and legal) hours

Obviously, you need your display to be held when it’s dark, but this doesn’t mean holding it late at night when everyone (or at least their children) is in bed. Depending on the time of year, stick to around 8pm as a guide, and find out from your local council between what times you are legally allowed to hold a fireworks display.

 

  1. Be considerate of children and pets

Both children and pets can be upset by fireworks, particularly when it comes to the loud noises. If your home is surrounded by other houses with young children and pets, you might want to consider a change of venue for your display in order to be considerate to your neighbours.

 

  1. Be safe and do everything by the book

Your neighbours will be much happier if your display looks safe and is being managed by sensible professionals. Anything that looks reckless or hastily done will make them jumpy, not to mention how dangerous it can be for your spectators if you don’t take safety seriously.

 

  1. Invite them to the show!

This is honestly the best way to win over your neighbours, by inviting them and their families to your display to enjoy the fireworks. There can be no complaints or bad feeling, because everyone’s in your garden enjoying the bright lights, colours and amazing effects in your fireworks display.