Planning a safe and successful firework display
For many communities, a firework display is one of the highlights of the year. Whether it's a council-led celebration, a school event or a community gathering, these occasions offer a chance to bring people together and mark the season in style. But behind every successful display is a significant amount of planning. Taking the time to assess risks, manage safety and prepare for potential issues can help organisers deliver an enjoyable event that leaves a lasting impression for all the right reasons.
Planning a firework display: key points
Before organising your event:
- Choose a venue with adequate space and clearly defined safety zones
- Use a competent and properly insured fireworks contractor
- Complete a risk assessment and emergency plan
- Brief staff, volunteers and stewards
- Monitor weather conditions before and during the event
- Inform your insurance provider as early as possible
These simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of injury, disruption and property damage.
How do you choose a safe Venue for a firework display?
The venue you choose will play a significant role in the overall safety and success of the event. Before confirming a venue, consider how people will access the site, whether emergency services can reach it easily and whether facilities such as parking, lighting and welfare provisions are adequate. It's also important to identify hazards such as uneven ground, nearby roads, watercourses and overhead cables, while having contingency plans in place for poor weather.
A thorough assessment of the venue can help identify issues early and ensure appropriate control measures are put in place before the event begins.
Why does cord planning matter
Understanding who is likely to attend your event is just as important as estimating attendance numbers. Young children, older people and individuals with additional support needs may require extra consideration when planning access routes, viewing areas and emergency arrangements.
Good crowd management helps reduce congestion, supports safe evacuation and ensures people can move around the site safely. Planning steward numbers, entry and exit points, and emergency access routes in advance can significantly improve the overall safety of an event.
Should you use a professional fireworks contractor?
Public firework displays should always be delivered by experienced professionals. A competent operator will not only manage the fireworks safely but can also provide valuable advice on site suitability, safety distances, crowd management and contingency planning.
Public firework display checklist
Before appointing a contractor, organisations should review:
- Previous experience and references
- Public liability insurance
- Relevant qualifications and training records
- Risk assessments and method statements
- Health and safety policies and procedures
Carrying out appropriate due diligence can help ensure contractors are capable of delivering a safe and compliant event.
Who is responsible for event safety?
Clearly defined responsibilities help ensure nothing is overlooked during the planning process. Establishing a small event planning group can improve communication and make it easier to coordinate activities.
Individuals should be assigned responsibility for key areas such as event management, health and safety, crowd control, first aid and emergency response. Everyone involved, including staff, volunteers and contractors, should understand their role, reporting lines and emergency procedures before the event begins.
Do you need a risk assessment for a community firework display?
Yes.
A risk assessment helps identify what could go wrong before the event starts, allowing organisers to put appropriate controls in place. It should be proportionate to the size and complexity of the display and reviewed if circumstances change, such as poor weather conditions or amendments to the event plan.
Areas to consider include fire safety, first aid provision, crowd management, contractor management and emergency procedures. Organisers should also ensure the site has clearly defined spectator, safety, firing and fallout zones.
For charities, schools and community organisations, risk assessments are not only a practical tool for managing safety but can also help demonstrate that reasonable steps were taken should an incident occur.
Key risk assessment reminders
- Consider fire, medical and severe weather scenarios
- Ensure suitable first aid provision is available
- Keep records of contractor checks and safety documentation
What should you do on the day of the event?
Successful delivery relies on good communication and ongoing monitoring. Before spectators arrive, confirm that staff have been briefed, signage is in place and emergency arrangements have been reviewed.
On the day, remember to:
- Brief staff, volunteers and contractors
- Clearly identify stewards and restricted areas
- Monitor weather conditions and emerging risks
Only authorised people should access firing areas, and only the designated fireworks operator should handle or discharge fireworks. The Health and Safety Executive also advises regularly reviewing weather conditions and being prepared to postpone the event if conditions become unsafe.
What should you do after a firework display ends?
Safety responsibilities don't end when the final firework has been fired. Keep members of the public away from firing and fallout zones until inspections have been completed and the site has been declared safe.
The fireworks operator should check for unexploded or partially ignited fireworks before waste, debris and temporary infrastructure are removed. It's also good practice to record incidents, near misses and feedback from volunteers and contractors. Capturing lessons learned can help improve future events and strengthen safety arrangements.
A memorable event for the right reasons
Firework displays can create lasting memories and help strengthen community connections, but their success relies on thorough planning and effective risk management. By carefully considering the venue, people, contractors, equipment, emergency arrangements and your insurance arrangements, organisations can help ensure their event is safe, enjoyable and remembered for all the right reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Can volunteers run a public firework display?
Public displays should generally be managed by competent and experienced operators. Professional contractors can provide specialist expertise, equipment and safety controls.
Do schools and charities need a risk assessment for a firework display?
Yes. A risk assessment helps identify hazards, determine suitable controls and demonstrate that reasonable steps have been taken to manage risks.
What should organisers do if weather conditions change?
Weather conditions should be monitored throughout the event. Dangerous conditions such as strong winds may require the display to be postponed or cancelled.
Useful resources
Government and industry guidance
- HSE: Organising firework displays
- GOV.UK: Organising fireworks displays – for professionals
- HSE: Managing crowds safely
Zurich resources
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