Why You Should Never Buy Fireworks from Facebook

You’d think by now we’d all know better than to buy explosives off a stranger on the internet. But alas, here we are.

Last October, just days before Bonfire Night, a Newport woman decided she fancied a bit of side hustle action and started flogging fireworks on Facebook. No licence. No safety measures. No clue.

Trading standards officers, tipped off by concerned locals, turned up at Carly-Ann Peterson’s house in Newport to find £3,200 worth of fireworks stashed in her home — which also happened to contain 17kg of actual explosives.

She ended up in Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, where she pleaded guilty to breaching the Explosives Regulations 2014 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. She got slapped with a £320 fine, plus £400 in prosecution costs and a £128 victim surcharge. A lesson learned, hopefully.

But the real takeaway here isn’t just that selling fireworks illegally is risky business (and seriously illegal) — it’s that buying them from dodgy sellers is just as daft. Here’s why.

Facebook Marketplace Is Not a Fireworks Shop

Sure, you might spot a PlayStation 4, a dog bed and a pair of “hardly worn” stilettos on there — but fireworks? No, thank you.

Anyone selling fireworks legally in the UK must have a licence for storage, be registered as a fireworks retailer, and follow all the rules laid out under health and safety legislation. Random Facebook sellers? Not so much.

Without a proper storage licence, there’s no guarantee those fireworks haven’t been sat in someone’s damp shed next to a petrol can and a half-used barbecue lighter. Not ideal.

And don’t be fooled by a flashy name or big discounts. You get what you pay for — and when it comes to explosives, that’s not where you want to skimp. Have a read of our article Cheap Fireworks - Are they worth it? for a bit more insight into why bargain basement bangers can end in tears (and not the good, sentimental kind).

Why Buying from a Licenced Retailer Is a No-Brainer

When you buy from a licenced and reputable seller like us here at Epic Fireworks, you’re getting:

• Fireworks that meet UK safety standards (we test everything before it goes anywhere near a shelf)

• Clear labelling and instructions, so you don’t have to guess which end goes up

• Safe, sensible storage and handling procedures — check out the video of our storage bunker below.

• Solid advice from people who live and breathe fireworks (seriously, we’ve got pyro in our blood)

You also get access to articles like this one, which walks you through the whole process of buying fireworks properly in the UK — whether you're planning a back garden display or something a bit more epic.

The Bottom Line? Know Who You’re Buying From

If someone’s selling fireworks out of their living room on Facebook, that’s a no from us. There are no shortcuts when it comes to safety.

Buying from licenced suppliers not only keeps you and your mates safe, but it also means you’re getting proper fireworks: louder, brighter, and more reliable than anything from some mystery box deal off social media.

Shop With The UK's Leading Firework Retailer

Here at Epic Fireworks, we’re your go-to for everything you need to put on an awesome fireworks display. Whether it’s for Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali, a wedding, or any other special occasion, we’ve got you covered with the biggest range of the UK's most powerful consumer fireworks, from sparklers and fountains to show-stopping barrages and rockets.

Looking for something easy but still impressive? Our DIY firework display packs come with everything you need to create a stunning show, with easy-to-follow instructions to help you fire like a pro. Plus, our fireworks are up to 5 times more powerful than supermarket fireworks so you'll be getting more bang for your buck, literally!

Shop our full range of fireworks today