We sure do have a lot of stock for next weekend’s Jubilee celebration. you name it, we have it in red, white and blue!

What follows is a few things that I’ve learnt over the years that may help with your decision about how to organise your display. Some of it you will know but you might also find something you don’t.

1. ‘Dave’ and his van don’t usually have a license. If you buy your fireworks from some bloke in a van, and he’s sold you a big brown box with the word ‘explosive’ on the side, then expect it to explode in your face. I suppose I would say this as a licensed firework seller but this is based on a true story. Don’t buy ‘bargain’ fireworks. The reason they are cheap is because they haven’t been safety tested to British Standards and that cost saving has been passed to you, the soon to be disfigured. Am I starting to sound like the adverts? Apologies, but consider this – Would you buy ‘bargain’ petrol, would you buy ‘bargain’ gas canisters for your BBQ

2. If you think standing next to a firework is a good idea then you probably deserve the potential consequences. Make sure you’ve got enough space. Generally fireworks are divided into categories. These categories are Cat 1,2 and 3 and (professional only) Cat 4. The relevance to you of these categories lies mainly in the distance your audience need to be from the firework. Cat 2 are 8 metre fireworks and Cat 3 are 25 metre fireworks. A little tip – this is not only for safety reasons. If you were to stand only 8m from a 25m firework then it would be a bit like being in Vietnam when the US army have just called in an air strike to lay down some Napalm. You won’t get the full effect of the firework, just like to can’t really see Mt Everest if you’re standing right next to it. You’ll just hear an awful lot of noise a feel quite warm, and possibly do yourself an irreversible injury.

3. If a firework falls over you’re family probably won’t talk to you for a while – All fireworks are designed to be secured into the ground in some way. If you don’t secure them then they might fall over and fire into the crowd and then the people in the crowd will hate you and never come to another firework display again. Even small candle batteries need taping to a post or pipe in the ground. It takes 2 mins to do. Most suppliers should be able to supply you with something to put in the ground to secure the firework to, we do at Fancier Dress. I should just say at this point that this isn’t a sales pitch – it’s a ‘If you use fireworks correctly then they are safe and fun’ pitch. If you don’t want to buy your fireworks from us then don’t, but buy them from someone who know’s what they’re doing.

4. A glimpse of the obvious – Fireworks need space above them . Amazing how many people don’t think about this. Look for overhanging trees above your display area. If a rocket ends up in a tree then the best case scenario is that the effect won’t be very good and worst case is that the tree will burn down. Unlikely but worth taking the 3 seconds it takes to look up.

5. A ten minute display is about the maximum you need – It tends to be a bit cold on 5th November, also it might rain. A good short display gives you maximum impact and will retain audience interest. A decent 10 minute display can be bought for approximately £100-120.

6. A home display can be cheaper than a professionally organised display in a field – Think about it. Say that the entry fee for a professional display is £5 per person. Say there are 10 of you going, that £50, say you might spend another £5 each on a crappy burger, another £50. That’s already £100 before you’ve paid for any other stuff that the kids want and the petrol to get to the event. If you have a home display you can get a very good one for £100 but there are myriad other advantages. 1. You get to decide what time it starts and finishes, 2. You can go inside if you get cold, 3. You can prepare your own decent food 4. You don’t have to queue to get out of the car park afterward 5. you don’t have to trudge around in a muddy field all night. 6. You can spend the evening with friends rather than 2000 people you don’t know very well. 7. You are guaranteed the best view.

Quick fire obvious safety tips that you already know:

Don’t store fireworks near a fire

Don’t allow your guests to sword fight with sparklers

Sparklers stay hot after going out, put them in water

If a firework looks dodgy then don’t light it

Probably best to save the ‘celebratory beer’ for after the fireworks

If you want any advice or fireworks then give us a call on 01883 723855

Click to view slideshow.

Disclaimer: Fancier Dress and it’s staff are not responsible for your actions as a result of this blog entry. We aim to give sound advice but the final decisions and responsibility regarding setting off fireworks reside with you and you alone. We are also not responsible for any loss or damage caused. If there is loss or damage then it’s most likely your fault. Take this blog entry in the spirit in which it is meant and don’t be stupid with fireworks.

Prices range from £39.99 – £49.99. Call  us on 01883 723855 to order or click here

Check them out:

Here’s an example:

Chinese Lanterns, The Good, The Bad & The Illegal!

Some of you may have seen articles in the Press and on TV regarding Chinese Lanterns.

They focused on what we would class as poor quality lanterns, ones which were not flame retardant and/or contained metal wire.

Below is an extract from a letter issued by the UK Government (BIS) in connection with the safe use of Chinese Lanterns (reproduced with the permission of BIS) :-

“Reports on behalf of Norfolk Trading Standards, by the Health & Safety Executive, and a Report by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, both assessed that high quality lanterns when used according to instructions were generally safe in relation to fire safety. However, there are many poor quality lanterns, which also lack sufficient safety and operating instructions.”

“We would however like retailers and importers in the UK to take the lead and demand that the lanterns they purchase from manufacturers are 100% bio-degradable (no metal wires), that they come with a high quality fuel source; and that they have comprehensive operating and safety instructions.”

You can rely on Fancier Dress to supply the safest and the best. Pop into the shop to discuss your requirements for this fireworks night.

Get the details here

The Right Honourable David Cameron MP (Prime Minister)

“It is heartening to hear how much you and the local community have already achieved since the sad loss of Richard, and are looking ahead to a National Heroes Day.  This is an excellent initiative and I note that the idea has already taken root and been a great success locally.  I fully endorse any project that encourages community participation and increases knowledge and support for our Service Personnel”

So if the school that your son or daughter goes to is taking part in National Heroes Day then we can help, with plenty of children’s’ costume and accessories to choose from. Why not pop in?

More details can be found here

We can help