The Ultimate Guide to At-Home Firework Displays – Pt 16 – Setting Up Your Display Location

You’ve bought your fireworks, you've been storing them safely, you've got the right ones for your display, chosen a good mix of effects and firework types and you've got your display choreography all worked out. But before you start lining up rockets like they’re members of a royal procession, there’s one crucial thing to sort: your display location.

Get this part wrong, and you could be looking at singed fences, grumpy neighbours, or worse—a rocket launching through Aunt Margaret’s greenhouse. Let’s avoid that, shall we?

Here’s everything you need to know to set up your firework display location like a pro, keeping things safe, spectacular, and neighbourly.

Choosing the Right Space

First things first, you’ll need enough space to let your fireworks do their thing without setting fire to half the neighbourhood. A modest UK garden can work perfectly well for smaller fireworks like fountains, sparklers, and Catherine wheels, but you’ll need more breathing room for big rockets and compound barrages.

Measure out your firing area and spectator space before you start. The general rule of thumb is to leave 8-25 metres between the launch point and where people are standing depending on the fireworks you're using - they'll state the safety distance they need on the packaging. This gives you a comfortable buffer zone for any rogue rockets (it happens to the best of us) and ensures everyone gets a good view without craning their necks.

If your garden isn’t quite Wembley Stadium, don’t fret—stick to smaller, ground-based fireworks that don’t require so much height or clearance. Never be tempted to launch rockets or large barrages in a cramped space.

Clear the Decks

Once you’ve chosen your firework launch area, it’s time to declutter. Fireworks and flammable obstacles are not a match made in heaven, so clear away anything that could cause problems—think garden furniture, kid’s toys, or that rickety shed you’ve been meaning to fix since 2019. If there are any low-hanging branches, now’s the time to give them a quick prune.

Make sure the ground is firm and stable, too. Nobody wants to see a rocket tip over because it was propped up in a muddy divot. If your grass is a bit soft or uneven, lay down a flat piece of wood or a paving slab to create a solid launch base, you can also use rocket tubes planted firmly into the ground.

Where to Set Up Each Type of Firework

Different fireworks have different needs, so let’s go through the main types:

Rockets: Rockets are the rock stars of any display, but they need space and stability. Plant them firmly in a sturdy launching tube at a slight angle away from the crowd and any nearby houses. Never, ever stick a rocket into the ground without a launch tube—this is a surefire way to turn it into a horizontal missile.

Fountains and Wheels: Fountains can go directly on the ground, but make sure they’re on a flat, non-flammable surface. A paving stone works a treat. For Catherine wheels, nail them securely to a fence post or stake, ensuring they’ve got enough clearance to spin freely.

Barrages: These multi-shot fireworks are your one-box wonders. Place them on flat ground, weigh them down with bricks to keep them steady, and make sure they’re aimed in a safe direction. Once they’re lit, step back and enjoy the show.

Setting Up Spectator Areas

No matter how well you’ve prepped, there’s one golden rule: never let anyone get too close. Mark out a clear viewing area using tape, cones, or even string lights to make things festive. Keep kids, pets, and the uncle who’s had one too many firmly behind this line.

If you’ve got a smaller garden, consider hosting a seated display—deck chairs at the back, kids in the front—so everyone has a clear view and stays safely out of harm’s way. Offering blankets, hot drinks, or even a cosy firepit can turn your display into an unforgettable evening.

Think About Your Neighbours

The UK is a land of tightly packed houses, which means your firework fun will rarely go unnoticed. Give your neighbours a heads-up ahead of time, especially if they have pets or young children who might need a bit of warning. A little courtesy goes a long way when you’re letting off mini explosions in the back garden.

And for the love of community spirit, don’t set fireworks off at unsociable hours. Stick to the evening and wrap things up by 11pm (with the exception of Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, and Diwali, when the curfew stretches to midnight or later).

Prepare for the Unexpected

Even with all the preparation in the world, things can sometimes go awry. Keep a bucket of water, a hosepipe, or a fire extinguisher close at hand, just in case. You’ll also want a torch or headlamp for setting things up and finding your way around once the sun sets. It’s amazing how quickly a garden can turn into an obstacle course in the dark.

Wind, Weather, and Conditions

Fireworks don’t always play nicely with the British weather. If there’s a strong breeze, it can carry sparks or debris further than you’d like, so always set up with the wind in mind. Position your launch area so the wind blows away from spectators, houses, and flammable objects.

Light rain or damp ground is rarely a problem—fireworks are surprisingly robust—but heavy downpours can ruin your evening. A waterproof plastic tub or covering will protect your fireworks before the big show, and having a “Plan B” date in mind never hurts if the forecast looks grim.

Find out more about how different types of weather can affect fireworks in part 17 of The Ultimate Guide to At-Home Firework Displays – Dealing With Different Weather Conditions

Final Prep Before Showtime

Once everything is set up, take a final walk around your display location. Check that all fireworks are stable, facing the right way, and ready to go. Keep your fireworks stash in a closed, fireproof container well away from the launch area.

Most importantly, take a deep breath and enjoy yourself. Setting up your at-home firework display might take a bit of planning, but once those rockets start soaring and the fountains start fizzing, you’ll know it was worth every bit of effort.

With a bit of thought, your garden can be transformed into the perfect firework arena—safe, well-organised, and ready to wow your family and friends. Just don’t forget to have that celebratory cup of tea (or something stronger) ready for when the last spark fades.

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