The exact time fireworks need to stop in England this Bonfire Night

Fireworks in England must stop by midnight on Bonfire Night, which falls on Thursday 5 November this year, and by 11pm on almost every other night of the season, including the weekends either side.

Bonfire season is almost here, and communities are getting ready to light up the skies with spectacular fireworks displays and traditional bonfire nights | Archive

placeholder image — Bonfire season is almost here, and communities are getting ready to light up the skies with spectacular fireworks displays and traditional bonfire nights | Archive

Baby essentials and Moses basket experts at For Your Little One have set out the rules, how to report fireworks that break them, and how parents can help babies sleep through the noise.

It is illegal to set off fireworks in England between 11pm and 7am, except on four nights of the year. On Bonfire Night the cut-off is midnight, and on New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year it is 1am. Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November this year, so fireworks that night can carry on until 1am.

That means anyone having fireworks in the garden on Saturday 31 October or Saturday 7 November must finish by 11pm.

The law also bans setting off or throwing fireworks, including sparklers, in the street or any other public place. You must be 18 or over to buy adult fireworks, and outside 15 October to 10 November, 26 to 31 December and the three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year, fireworks can only be bought from specially licensed shops.

Selling or using fireworks illegally can lead to an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison, and police can also hand out an on-the-spot fine of £90.

When fireworks need to stop in England

Most nights: 11pm
Bonfire Night, Thursday 5 November: midnight
Diwali, Sunday 8 November: 1am
New Year's Eve: 1am
Chinese New Year: 1am

If fireworks are being used dangerously or someone is in danger, call 999. Fireworks set off after the cut-off or thrown in the street can be reported to the police on 101 or through your local force's website, and information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Repeated late-night fireworks from the same address can also be reported to the local council as a noise nuisance.

"Fireworks season is one of the hardest times of year for parents of young babies, because the bangs often start just as you've got them settled," said Dean Smith, Director of For Your Little One. "Knowing when they have to stop by law at least tells you how late you could be up.

"Stick to your usual bedtime routine, close the windows and curtains to muffle the bangs and flashes, and put on white noise or a fan at a low volume across the room. If your baby sleeps in a Moses basket, set it up in the quietest room of the house, away from windows that face the street, and stay in the room with them.

"Resist the urge to add an extra blanket or a hat to comfort them, as babies can overheat, and keep the Moses basket or cot clear. If they wake, try a calm voice and a hand on their tummy before picking them up. It also helps to ask your neighbours when they're planning their fireworks, so you're not caught out."