Remember, remember… your guide to a safe and sparkling Bonfire night
For many of us, Bonfire Night means watching fireworks, lighting sparklers and toasting marshmallows. For others it’s about keeping our pets calm or hoping the kids don’t wake up to a bang!
Whatever Bonfire night looks like for you, there’s plenty of things you can do to enjoy the festivities safely.
Each year, the council and partners work to help keep communities safe and clean while families and residents enjoy themselves.
Cllr Helen Cameron, Chair of Wirral’s Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee, said:
Bonfire night is a busy time of year for our emergency services. In Wirral, our partner organisations and community groups work together to help reduce the pressure on frontline services.
During the festivities, numerous council teams will be working to support the fire service be that through the removal of illegal bonfires and flammable materials via our bin crews, or by working with local businesses to ensure fireworks are sold safely and legally, thanks to our trading standards team.
We’ll also see many community events and youth activities across the borough, with a range of groups providing spaces for young people and families to enjoy themselves in a positive way.
To everybody who celebrates, I wish you a safe and sparkling Bonfire night.
Below you will find information on what you can do if you need to report an issue to a local service, as well as details about events and activities for young people, over the next few days.
Child safety and activities for young people
If your child is planning to go out around Bonfire Night, make sure you know where they are and how to get in touch with them.
There are also a range of activities taking place that young people can get involved in including:
Active Wirral will be taking referrals for young people aged 14 to 17 years old into the Positive Futures programme to be given gym passes for use in our leisure centres over this period. Teens who take part will receive a gym induction, mentoring and guidance.
Free football sessions with qualified coaches for 14-17 year olds will be available on Friday 3 November 2023 at various times and locations below. No booking required just turn up.
- Guinea Gap (Outdoor 3G pitches), 6-8pm.
- Leasowe Leisure Centre (Outdoor 3G pitches), 5-7pm.
- Oval Leisure Centre (Outdoor 3G pitches), 5-7pm.
Crea8ing Community and Our Happy Hub offer a series of free activities for children, young people and their families throughout the Bonfire Night period.
Two Brothers Gym – young people ages 11-19 can access a free Mixed Martial Arts programme until Bonfire Night. For more information, email twobrothersgymenquiries@gmail.com.
Wirral Youth Zone – will be open on Bonfire night and offering a variety of activities for young people ages 8-18 including their Junior and Inclusion sessions. Young people call or email the Hive to find out what sessions are on for their age group. Call 0151 705 8000 or email talktothehive@thehiveyouthzone.org.
Zillo – For information on Youth Spaces visit https://www.zillowirral.co.uk/.
Advice for our furry friends
Many animals find fireworks scary. If your pet is struggling, it's hard to know how to react or what to do. Especially if you're a new pet parent, it may not be something you've even considered in advance of firework season.
If you’re looking for some advice and guidance on how to support your pet pals through Bonfire night, there are some helpful hints and tips on the RSPCA website that may be helpful.
Firework safety
Wirral’s Trading Standards team have been carrying out inspections at businesses selling fireworks to ensure they comply with their legal responsibilities on age restricted sales. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess or use fireworks in a public place.
If you have any concerns about retailers who are not licensed, shops not storing fireworks appropriately, selling fireworks that do not display appropriate safety marks or selling to anyone under 18, you can alert the team by email tradingstandards@wirral.gov.uk or by calling 0808 223 1133.
There will be no council-organised community firework displays in Wirral this year. The decision for these not to go ahead was agreed by members as one of our 2022-23 budget saving proposals.
If you are thinking about having your own display at home or attending a display, please visit Merseyside Fire & Rescuse Service’s website for their tips on firework and sparkler safety.
Illegal bonfires and advice on bins
Biffa will be supporting Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) in removing any material that can be used for bonfires and fly-tipped waste. You can report any build-up of combustible material that could be used for deliberate fires via the MFRS website: https://www.merseyfire.gov.uk/safety-advice/community-safety/bonfire-safety/report-an-unlit-bonfire/
Residents are advised to only put their bins out on collection day and to bring them back in as soon as they have been emptied.
How to report anti-social behaviour
You can report anti-social behaviour online via My Wirral. You can also call 0151 606 2020 or email neighbour.nuisance@wirral.gov.uk.
Lines are open 8.45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. An answerphone service is provided out of hours and your call will be returned the following working day.
If you are a tenant of a registered housing provider, please contact them directly.
Out of hours
You can also contact Wirral Community Patrol 24 hours a day to request attendance at an incident of anti-social behaviour on to 0151 666 5265. If you are a tenant of a registered housing provider, please contact them directly.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
