As we approach the annual firework-fest that is Bonfire Night here in the UK, I find myself pondering the true value of fireworks. For those of you who aren’t aware of the story behind it, there was an attempted terrorist plot to blow up the English parliament in 1605 and this is now celebrated by blowing things up in our gardens and public parks for mass amusement.

Cover of Bonfire Night (Special Days)

I feel as though I must state at this point that I love fireworks. I always have. Ever since I was a little boy, I was transfixed as coloured lights exploded across the black night sky. The idea of having sparklers in the garden was enough to convince me to tidy my room every day for a month (when I was a boy you understand!) Every year, we went through the same ritual on November 5th, not a day before, not a day after. My father would set up the fireworks at the bottom of the garden while my mother, brother and sister would stand expectantly by the back door of the house. Then, by torchlight, the display would begin. Looking back, it was always woefully brief but woud be followed by the sparklers then baked potatoes for all.

I never thought much about how much fireworks cost until I was all grown up. I’d never realised the investment they were. Have you seen the prices these days?!

Wikipedia

Image via

That could be hundreds of pounds worth of firework you’re looking at up there. For a few seconds pleasure. It’s as unsatisfying as eating fast food! In these days of cost-cutting and having our credit well and truly crunched, I’ve had to take the painful decision not to buy any this year. This was not taken lightly, I feel as though I’m betraying my 9-year old self just by thinking it!

However, there is hope. A way for me to get my firework fix and support my local area at the same time. I say this to everyone out there who’s been going through the same dilemma as me recently, as well as the thousands of people who already do this: Go to a public display. Support organised events in your area. Many of them are run by the local councils and benefit local charitable organisations as well. Plus, and this is the real kicker for me: You get far more bang for your buck. For a couple of pounds, I can watch a 20 or 30-minute long display often with music and other things too. Not only that, it’s safer and there’s no mess for me to clear up the next day. And added to that, I can still have the sparklers and baked potatoes when I get home. Bliss. 

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

So whatever you do and wherever you get your firework fix this year, stay safe and have fun.