Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Firework sales ‘soar’ as cash-strapped councils cancel Bonfire Night displays

Some councils bin events due to cost of living pressures

Matt Mathers
Tuesday 01 November 2022 08:52 EDT
Comments
RSPCA on how to keep your pets safe during Bonfire Night

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Firework sales have increased compared to last year as some city councils choose not to put on public displays, retailers have said.

Steve Raper, chairman of the British Firework Association, said sales at his own firm - Bright Star fireworks - were up between 30 and 50 per cent.

He said he thought transactions will have increased right across the industry as budgetary constraints force councils to scale back events.

Families deciding to pool together their money to hold their own displays and avoid travel and other costs amid the cost of living crisis could be another reason, he told The Independent.

Manchester, Liverpool and Norwich among councils who did not hold events this year
Manchester, Liverpool and Norwich among councils who did not hold events this year (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The end of Covid-19 restrictions - enabling people to socialise more freely - could be another factor.

Manchester, Liverpool and Norwich city councils were among those who did not hold displays this year, citing concerns about costs.

Mr Raper’s comments came after people across the UK celebrated Halloween, which is celebrated every year on 31 October.

The name Halloween comes from All Hallows’ Eve, which marks the day before the Christian holiday of All Hallows’ Day, which is also known as All Saints’ Day.

All Saints’ Day is a feast day celebrated by Anglicans and Roman Catholics and is an opportunity for believers to remember saints and martyrs.

The holiday is associated with Christianity but its origins can be traced back to the pagan festival of Samhain, first celebrated by the Celts of ancient Europe.

Bonfire - or Guy Fawkes - night -  is the annual commemoration of the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot, when 14 individuals planned to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament on 5 November 1605.

Guy Fawkes was among the group - led by Robert Catesby - who were trying to blow up parliament in an attempt to kill King James I.

The plot, however, was unsuccessful and people celebrate this every year on 5 November.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in