What time can you let off fireworks on Bonfire Night 2026? The law, the fines and the age limit
Registered shops can sell fireworks for private use only from 15 October to 10 November, and again from 26 to 31 December, GOV.UK says.
Fireworks can be set off until midnight on Bonfire Night, Thursday 5 November 2026, according to GOV.UK. On other nights the cut-off is 11pm: the page says “it’s against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions”.
Which nights have a later cut-off?
The 11pm rule has exceptions. On Bonfire Night the cut-off is midnight. On New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year it is 1am. Anyone setting off fireworks is told to check with their council for any local rules.
| night | cut-off |
|---|---|
| Any other night | 11pm |
| Bonfire Night | midnight |
| Diwali | 1am |
| New Year’s Eve | 1am |
| Chinese New Year | 1am |
Where can you set them off, and who can buy them?
The law says fireworks, sparklers included, must not be set off or thrown in the street or other public places. Nobody under 18 can buy ‘adult’ fireworks. These are category 2 and 3 fireworks, which do not include things like party poppers. Category 4 fireworks can only be used by professionals.
What is the penalty?
Selling or using fireworks illegally can bring an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison, the page says. A person could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
Scotland has its own guidance. The Scottish Government says adult fireworks can be used only in private places, between 6pm and 11pm. The exceptions are midnight on Bonfire Night and 1am on New Year’s Eve, the night of Chinese New Year and Diwali. Breaking the rules could mean a fine of up to £5,000, up to 6 months in prison, or both.
In Northern Ireland, nidirect says a fireworks licence from the Department of Justice is needed to buy, possess and use most fireworks, though not indoor fireworks and sparklers. Fireworks must not be thrown or let off in a street or public place, other than a properly licensed public display.
What time do fireworks have to stop on Bonfire Night 2026?
At midnight on 5 November, according to GOV.UK.
Is it legal to set off fireworks in the street?
No, GOV.UK says, and that includes sparklers.
How old do you have to be to buy fireworks?
18 for ‘adult’ fireworks, according to GOV.UK.
What is the penalty for illegal fireworks?
An unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison for selling or using them illegally, with an on-the-spot fine of £90 also possible, GOV.UK says.
Is the cut-off the same in Scotland?
Not quite: adult fireworks can be used only in private places, between 6pm and 11pm, with midnight on Bonfire Night, the Scottish Government says.
