Guy Fawkes Night set to fizzle out for UK households
Firework Night set to fizzle out as 97% of UK households won’t buy fireworks and 7 in 10 want to see them banned
As many as 97% of UK households won’t be buying fireworks to set off at home this Bonfire Night, while more than seven in 10 believe private fireworks displays in residential gardens should be banned altogether, according to new research from Yopa.
The full-service estate agency surveyed the UK public ahead of Bonfire Night to gauge attitudes towards private fireworks displays, the reasons behind declining interest in setting off fireworks at home, and whether alternative celebrations are becoming more appealing.
Fireworks are big business in the UK, with estimates suggesting that over £300 million is spent on them each year. However, Yopa’s research suggests that this Bonfire Night could be a very different story, with just 2% of respondents intending to purchase fireworks to set off at home.
In contrast, 97% said they would not be buying fireworks this year, while a further 1% remain undecided.
Safety concerns top the list
When asked why they would not be buying fireworks, concerns about safety emerged as the biggest reason, followed by concerns about the impact on pets and wildlife.
The cost of fireworks ranked third, followed by wider environmental concerns, not wanting to disturb neighbours and unpredictable weather.
It’s perhaps unsurprising that safety tops the list, with the latest NHS England data showing that hospital admissions attributed to the discharge of fireworks increased by 22.5% annually, from 129 in 2024/25 to 158 in 2025/26.
With safety and the impact on the surrounding community clearly weighing on people’s minds, Yopa’s research also found that 72% of respondents believe private fireworks displays in residential gardens should be banned altogether.
A similarly high proportion (71%) believe that the sale of fireworks to the general public should also be banned.
Public displays and alternatives
While the appetite for setting off fireworks at home appears limited, almost a quarter of respondents (24%) still intend to attend an organised public fireworks display this Bonfire Night.
However, of those who do plan to attend a public display, more than a third (35%) said they would prefer alternatives such as drone or light shows, compared to 21% who would prefer traditional fireworks displays to continue.
A further 44% would like both traditional fireworks and alternative displays to remain available.
Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa, commented:
“Bonfire Night remains a popular British tradition, but our research suggests that the appetite for setting off fireworks at home is disappearing, with safety concerns and the impact on pets and wildlife now outweighing the appeal for many households.
When you consider the number of people who end up in hospital as a result of fireworks each year, it’s understandable that so many would support tighter restrictions on private displays and public sales, particularly in residential areas where the impact extends well beyond the household setting them off.
However, this doesn’t mean we need to lose Bonfire Night altogether. Organised public displays remain an option for those who want to celebrate, while alternatives such as drone and light shows could offer a more considerate way for communities to enjoy the occasion.”
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