Fireworks

Our communities are very diverse, with residents celebrating a range of religious and cultural events most months.

Fireworks often play a part in that, but whether buying, selling, using or watching them you need to make sure you know how to stay safe, obey the law and be a considerate neighbour.

Please think twice before purchasing fireworks for home use.

Remember, you must be at least 18 years old to buy ‘adult’ fireworks, and selling or using fireworks illegally could land you with a fine of up to £5,000 and a six month prison sentence.

To report firework issues such as noise nuisance, please contact Northumbria Police.

Consultation on Fireworks and pyrotechnics

On the 16 July 2026 the Government announced a consultation in respect of proposals around fireworks.   
Before making any changes to fireworks regulations, the Government is seeking views on proposals to ensure that they receive all relevant evidence and perspectives. They are seeking views on proposals to:

  1. restrict the availability of noisier fireworks to the general public, with louder products only available to professional users
  2. add products deemed to be carrying unacceptable risks to the list of existing banned pyrotechnic products set out in regulation 33 of the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 (as amended) 
  3. review the regulations for fireworks and pyrotechnic products currently classified as lower risk to better reflect the different levels of risk they pose.

For further information on the consultation which closes on the 7 October 2026 go to Gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk