Nottingham City Council is urging people to be sensible and stay safe over the coming days, during what will be a ‘different’ Bonfire Night for everyone this year.
Big celebrations are being discouraged, in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, as are Bonfire Night parties that break the current social distancing rules set out by the Government.
The council is spreading the word that there are ways for people to have fun safely with their family despite the disruption caused by Covid-19 restrictions. Tighter restrictions are needed as the number of cases in the city continue to be high across all neighbourhoods and amongst all age groups. Rates of Covid have risen amongst older adults and this has contributed to the high and increasing number of people being admitted to hospital in Nottingham.
Cllr Neghat Khan, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: “We don’t want to be kill joys or stop families having fun. We know Bonfire Night can be exciting nights for children, especially watching fireworks.
“But we all need to do the right thing and play our part to stop the spread of coronavirus which is threatening our safety, economy and livelihoods.
“People have also contacted me with concerns about fireworks and smoke, so we are asking people to be considerate if they are doing their own bonfire and fireworks this year.”
“This year will be very different but there are ways we CAN still enjoy and celebrate Bonfire Night with loved ones whilst also stopping the spread and keeping people safe. Let’s hope we can look forward to a better Bonfire Night next year!
Bonfire Night can still go with a bang:
- Glow in the dark games
- Bonfire themed crafts
- Tasty treats like Bonfire Toffee or Toffee Apples
- Star gazing with hot chocolate and marshmallows
- Writing your name with Sparklers (wear gloves)
- Telling the story of the history of Bonfire Night and the song “Remember, remember the fifth of November…”
Top Tips for safe celebrations:
Please ensure you stick to the current Covid-19 laws and guidance. Stay with people from your own household or support bubble, wash hands regularly, or use a hand sanitiser.
From Thursday 5 November, we will move into a national lockdown with new restriction rules we need to follow.
This Bonfire Night, please remember:
- You must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless you live with them or have formed a support bubble with them.
- You must not socialise outdoors in private gardens with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble.
- You should only be meeting in public outdoor spaces with the people you live with, your support bubble or 1 person from another household
- Stay at home, and do not travel unless necessary (food, work, education, medical or exercise reasons)
- Remember: Wash hands, cover face, make space
Q: Can I have my own bonfire and fireworks display?
A. With the organised bonfire and firework displays being cancelled this year, people will be tempted to do their own. This is allowed, but we do ask that people be sensible and take note of our advice around this.
There are no laws against having a bonfire in your back garden. But there are laws which cover the nuisance they can cause such as smoke, smells, and the impact on air pollution. However, if you must have a bonfire, please keep it away from trees, sheds and fences, and never use petrol or other accelerants to get it going.
If you’re going to use fireworks, only use genuine ones, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and, please, be sensible. Also, remember there are laws around when you can and can’t set them off. The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places. You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight.
If children are dressing up, make sure they keep away from candles or jack-o-lanterns, or swap tea light candles for safer LED lights. Ensure costumes have been bought from a reputable supplier, check for CE marks.
Please be cautious this Bonfire Night. Be sparkly, but stay safe!