As Bonfire Night approaches, excitement builds across Wales for one of the most popular traditions of the year. But while lighting up the sky with fireworks can be spectacular, there are strict rules on what the public can and can’t buy.
To help clear up some of the confusion, we spoke to Dave Roberts, Fireworks Consultant at Cardiff Fireworks, one of South Wales’ leading suppliers, who explained the differences between the various firework types and how to stay safe at home.
“Fireworks are split into four main categories,” Dave says. “F1, F2, F3 and F4. The general public can buy F1, F2 and F3. F1 are your smaller items such as sparklers. F2 are your normal kind of garden fireworks, and F3 are more powerful garden fireworks. F4 fireworks are strictly for display purposes only and must never be sold to the general public.”
In simple terms, F1 fireworks are small and safe for close family use, F2 are designed for typical gardens, and F3 are for larger open spaces with greater safety distances. Anything labelled F4 is only for professional use.
Below is a quick guide to what each category means:
| Category | Description | Who can use it | Example items | Minimum safety distance |
| F1 | Small, low-risk fireworks | General public | Sparklers, party poppers | Usually 1 metre |
| F2 | Standard garden fireworks | General public | Small cakes, fountains, Roman candles | Minimum 8 metres |
| F3 | Larger garden fireworks | General public (with space) | Big barrages, multi-shot cakes | Minimum 25 metres |
| F4 | Professional display fireworks | Licensed operators only | High-power display shells | No public access |
Cardiff Fireworks stocks more than 100 different products ranging from small sparklers to large multi-shot garden barrages. Dave says it’s this variety and expertise that keeps customers coming back year after year.
“As we sell all year around and have access to premium brands, most of the items we stock are of a higher quality and offer effects that supermarket fireworks simply can’t,” he explains.
“They’re made to last, and the difference in colour, sound and performance is huge.”
When it comes to buying fireworks, the law is also strict about who can sell them and when.
“There is a seasonal licence that allows you to store and sell fireworks for Bonfire Night, New Year, Chinese New Year and Diwali,” Dave explains. “Then there’s an annual licence that permits you to sell all year round. You can’t just have an annual licence, you must have the seasonal one too. We hold both.”
So, if you’re shopping for fireworks this year, always look for a licensed retailer and check the packaging for the correct category. Avoid buying from people selling online or meeting in car parks, as these are often unlicensed and unsafe.
Dave’s final piece of advice is simple: read the labels and plan ahead. “Every firework comes with a safety distance printed on it. If it says 8 metres, your audience must be at least that far away. It’s there for everyone’s safety.”
With the right products, a little planning and a focus on safety, families across Wales can enjoy a dazzling and legal Bonfire Night from the comfort of their own gardens.
