Fireworks in Saltford 2026: Be a firework-friendly neighbour!

As the nights grow darker and celebrations such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve approach, Saltford Parish Council (SPC) encourages everyone to enjoy fireworks safely, responsibly and considerately.

Fireworks can be an exciting part of celebrations, but their noise and unexpected bangs can cause distress to some of the village’s residents, pets, horses, livestock and wildlife. They can also have a significant impact on people who are sensitive to sudden loud noises, including those living with conditions such as PTSD.

A little consideration and planning can make a real difference. SPC is also continuing to call for the Government to introduce stronger controls on consumer fireworks to help reduce their impact on people, animals and the wider community.

This year SPC’s also shared it’s ‘Firework friendly neighbour’ message in the November and December edition of SCAN – visit https://www.saltfordhall.co.uk/Scan_2026.html or look out for your hardcopy, which will land on doormats in late October 2026. A copy of SPC’s SCAN page will also be displayed in its noticeboard.

How to be a firework-friendly neighbour

If you are planning a firework display at home, please think about how it might affect those around you.

Top tips for considerate firework use:

  • ✦ Let your neighbours know in advance. Give them time to prepare, particularly if they have pets, horses or livestock, young children, older family members or anyone who may find fireworks distressing.
  • ✦ Choose quieter fireworks. Low-noise fireworks can still provide colour and spectacle without the same level of loud bangs. Even a short display can have a significant impact when neighbours are caught unaware. Consider starting with quieter fireworks to give people time to prepare.
  • ✦ Be mindful of timing. Keep displays as short as possible and finish at a reasonable time. Avoid setting off fireworks late at night or at unpredictable times.
  • ✦ Use fireworks safely. Follow the instructions and safety distances on the packaging, keep spectators at a safe distance and never return to a firework once it has been lit.
  • ✦ Clear up afterwards. Dispose of fireworks and debris responsibly, taking care not to leave litter in neighbouring gardens, shared spaces or local green spaces. Follow safety guidance for handling and disposing of used fireworks. Don’t leave it for other residents and the Saltford Wombles to deal with! Excessive litter in public areas can be reported to B&NES Council at FixMyStreet https://fix.bathnes.gov.uk/

Know the law on fireworks

Being considerate also means following the rules on when and where fireworks can be used.

Under the law in England:

  • You must be at least 18 to buy adult fireworks.
  • Fireworks must not normally be set off between 11pm and 7am.
  • The curfew is extended to midnight on Bonfire Night (5 November), and to 1am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.
  • Fireworks, including sparklers, must not be set off or thrown in the street or other public places.
  • Category F4 fireworks are for professional use only.

These rules apply alongside other safety requirements and any relevant local restrictions. For the full guidance, including rules on buying fireworks and potential penalties, visit GOV.UK – Fireworks: the law.

Local public displays: where to check for information

Attending an organised public display can be a good way to enjoy fireworks as part of a shared community event. Knowing when and where displays are planned can also help residents prepare if they, their families or their animals may be affected.

In previous years, displays have taken place at, or in the vicinity of, the following venues – should they be in hearing distance of Saltford residents:

  • 🎆 Saltford Primary School – check with the school for announcements and whether any event is open to the public or restricted to ticket holders. This information will be updated by SPC in due course inc. timings, with thanks to the PTA for sharing that they will drop letters to near neighbours to advise of the event.
  • 🎆 Chandag Primary School – check the school’s communications for information about any planned events.
  • 🎆 Saltford Sports Club – check the club’s website or social media for announcements.
  • 🎆 Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park – check the venue’s official website for any fireworks events, dates, ticket information and timings. Currently showing as: Thursday 5th November 2026: 5pm – 9pm; Friday 6th November 2026: 5pm – 9pm; Saturday 7th November 2026: 5pm – 9pm. Time of displays not stated. Visit https://avonvalley.co.uk/event/firework-spectacular/
  • 🎆 Bath Racecourse – Currently showing as Friday 6 November, 7:30pm – check the racecourse’s official website for any planned displays and visitor information https://www.bath-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fireworks-night

Please note that this is not a confirmed list of 2026 locations for events. These venues are included because displays have taken place there in previous years; this does not mean that a display will take place this year. Event details can change or displays may be cancelled at short notice, so please check directly with the organisers before making plans. Some venues have fireworks events on more than one date. Tickets are required for fireworks events.

Also, this list is not exhaustive and does not include private displays. SPC is not responsible for organising the events listed or confirming their details.

If you are organising a public display that may be heard in Saltford, you can let SPC know and if time it’ll update this page. Sharing information in advance can help residents be aware of potential noise and take steps to prepare themselves, their children and their animals.

SPC calls for stronger controls on consumer fireworks

Saltford Parish Council’s concerns about fireworks extend beyond individual displays. At its September 2026 meeting, SPC resolved to support tighter controls on fireworks available for purchase by the general public and submitted its response to the UK Government’s consultation on the future regulation of fireworks and pyrotechnics.

The Government consultation explored proposals intended to reduce the harm and nuisance associated with fireworks while allowing their continued use for celebrations and community events.

In its response, SPC supported restricting Category F2 and F3 fireworks — which include garden fireworks and larger display fireworks — so that they would only be available for licensed public events and professional users.

The Council also supported the strongest noise-reduction option proposed in the consultation: reducing the maximum permitted noise level for consumer fireworks from the current 120 decibels (dB) limit to 90 dB.

SPC believes stronger controls could help:

  • ✦ Reduce distress to pets, wildlife and farm animals.
  • ✦ Lessen the impact on residents, particularly vulnerable people and those living with conditions such as ✦ PTSD.
  • ✦ Help reduce noise nuisance and antisocial behaviour associated with fireworks misuse.
  • ✦ Contribute to improved public safety.

The Council’s position is that people should be able to enjoy celebrations while reducing the impact on those who do not choose to participate, and on animals that cannot understand or anticipate the noise.

The Government consultation closed on 7 October 2026. The proposals described above are SPC’s policy position and proposed changes, not a statement of new laws already in force or those that the Government may introduce. Any changes to the law will depend on the Government’s decisions following the consultation.

Read SPC’s full article: Government consultation: Saltford Parish Council calls for stronger controls on consumer fireworks.

You can also read the Government’s Fireworks and pyrotechnics in the UK consultation for information about the proposals and any subsequent updates.

Further advice and information

For more guidance on safe and considerate firework use, SPC recommends the following resources:

Please visit the relevant websites for the latest advice and information.

Thank you for being a firework-friendly neighbour!

Enjoying celebrations responsibly means thinking about the people and animals around us, not just the display itself. Giving advance warning, choosing quieter fireworks, keeping noise to a minimum and cleaning up afterwards are simple steps that can help make this time of year more manageable for everyone.

By taking these steps, Saltford residents can help make celebrations safer, kinder and more considerate across our community.