Mark Hyder's Fireworks page

"He told me the nature of the disease required so sharp a remedy, and asked me if I would give my consent. I told him yes, in this and what else soever, if he resolved upon it, I would venture my life"Thomas Wintour's Confession

On November 5, 1605, a solitary figure was arrested in the cellars of Parliament House. Although he first gave his name as John Johnson, a startling series of events gradually unfolded under torture. Guy Fawkes, as he was really called, was one of thirteen who had conspired to blow up the parliament, the King, and his Lords, thereby throwing the country into turmoil, out of which these traitors hoped to raise a new monarch, sympathetic to their cause, and return England to its Catholic past.

The circumstances surrounding what drove these thirteen disaffected Catholics, led by the charismatic Robert Catesby, to such a desperate act are the focus of the Gunpowder Plot Society.

For the circumstances are far from straightforward.

The conflicting historical details so far can only confirm one theory - that the offical account of this event, that persists in our folklore, cannot possibly be true. The debate over what the evidence means has been hotly contested by many eminent scholars through the centuries, and continues to be an engaging enigma for today's historians.

This web site covers everything from the history of the period, the various facts and theories, profiles on the conspirators and other key characters, comprehensive genealogical database, sites of historical importance, and an extensive downloadable archive of source material, manuscript and document translations, correspondence, and legal transcriptions (including confessions).

Setting up:

Competent firers should be nominated. At least one should have some previous experience of firing large fireworks. All firers should be familiar with basic safety principles and preferably have seen a training video e.g. "Display Safe with Fireworks", available from the British Pyrotechnists Association.

The manufacturer's instructions should be read by the firers before the event, preferably in daylight. This is to ensure that all relevant information is available so that the display can proceed safely.

Where there are two or more firers, a firing plan is recommended and all firers should have a clear idea of what each will do during the display.

There should be no smoking while handling fireworks or in the firing area once fireworks are present.

Fireworks on frames must be carefully assembled and securely mounted as directed in their instruction. These fireworks should be handled delicately to avoid loosening or damaging their fusing. Where necessary frames should be securely fixed in position by stakes.

Roman candles etc. should be secured in an upright position as directed in their instructions. Supporting stakes should be placed on the spectator side of the firework to reduce the risk of the firework falling and shooting burning material at spectators.

Keep all pets in doors, Pets like Can & dogs will do not like fireworks sounds.

Firing:

Firers should wear suitable clothing including protective hat, goggles and gloves.

Only assigned firers should be allowed into the firing area. If there is no radio link one firer should be nominated to relay messages between firers and the person in overall charge of the display.

Firers should carry a torch and whistle to attract attention in the event of difficulty.

It is recommended that a slow burning lighter know as a 'portfire' is issued to ignite fireworks.

Matches should never be used.

Faulty fireworks:

A firework that fails to go off should be left for at least 30 minutes before being placed in a bucket of water.

Misfired or partly spent fireworks should be soaked in a container of water and the manufacturer or supplier contacted for advice on disposal.

Fireworks should never to put on the bonfire for disposal.

Fire safety:

Have equipment for putting out small fires (e.g. fire extinguishers, buckets or sand / water, fire blanket) in suitable locations on the site.

Ensure there are sufficient stewards trained to use the fire fighting equipment.

Have an emergency procedure outlined to deal with situations that might arise e.g. a bonfire out of control / fire started by firework debris.

Ensure the public are advised not to bring their own fireworks.

Access:

Ensure car parking is separate from the display area.

Keep the agreed emergency service access routes clear of obstruction and readily accessible at all times.

Ensure the access points are well signposted, lit, free from obstructions and trip hazards.

Provide at least two spectator exits from the site depending on the expected crowd numbers.

Crowd safety:

Provide an adequate number of stewards responsible solely for crowd safety. Make them easily identifiable.

Instruct the stewards in their duties e.g. emergency procedures, attention to controlling entry to spectator areas, avoiding overcrowding, keeping spectators out of the safety, firing and drop-out areas.

Stewards should be able to communicate with each other and the event management e.g. radios.

Provide torches.

Make every effort to start the display on time as crowd control becomes difficult the longer people are kept waiting. If a delay is unavoidable, tell the spectators at an early stage and keep them updated.

Ensure the emergency procedures address what to do in the event of crowd problems.

Additional guidance in crowd safety issues can be found in the publications given in the reference section.

Come and enjoy one of three brilliant fireworks displays in Lambeth

Fireworks safety

Be responsible

Seasonal advice: Fireworks frighten animals

Keep your pets safe

Cats and dogs

Other animals