With the festive season in full swing and Christmas and New Year’s fast approaching, fireworks have again taken centre stage across the UK and the world.
In this month’s fireworks news round-up, we cover some of the biggest stories making headlines, from the petition for the use and sale of fireworks discussed in Parliament to some dramatic events involving fireworks.
1. Fireworks launched into Glasgow Pub full of Celtic Fans
On 15th December, Glasgow was shaken by violent clashes between Celtic and Rangers fans, both involving fireworks. In the city centre, rival fans could be seen hurling fireworks at each other on the high street, forcing Christmas shoppers to hide as the dangerous scenes unfolded.
Later that day, fireworks were launched into a pub full of Celtic supporters, causing panic but fortunately no serious injuries. The incidents have raised serious concerns about the misuse of fireworks, with police intervening and calls for stricter regulations to prevent such dangerous behaviour in the future.
Read more about this story here.
2. Edinburgh Zoo issues appeal of Hogmanay firework
If you read last month’s recap, you’ll know of the heartbreaking loss of a red panda at Edinburgh Zoo. In light of this, the zoo has issued a heartfelt appeal ahead of the Hogmanay celebrations, asking the public to be considerate when using fireworks near the zoo.
The tragic death of Roxie, a three-month-old red panda, was attributed to stress caused by fireworks from a nearby Bonfire Night display. With limited time for Edinburgh City Council to consult on a potential fireworks exclusion zone, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) urges local residents not to set off fireworks.
Roxie the Red Panda – RZSS
3. Parliament debate on Fireworks Regulations in response to petition
On 9th December, in response to a petition on the sale and use of fireworks, which saw over 1 million signatures, the current fireworks regulations were discussed in Parliament.
The debate explored tighter regulations, including restricting the sale of fireworks to licensed individuals and limiting their use to specific times of the year, i.e., Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve.
The proposed bill will move to its second reading on 17th December, which marks an important step towards potential changes.
4. London New Year’s Eve display to feature green fireworks
As London prepares for its New Year’s Eve celebrations, the city’s official firework display will once again prioritise sustainability, showcasing a range of eco-friendly, green fireworks.
In recent years, organisers have focused on reducing the carbon emissions of the event, and this year continues that commitment. The 2024 display saw emissions 23% lower than those recorded during the 2016 display.
Additionally, this year’s fireworks are set to be quieter, addressing concerns about noise pollution and its impact on local communities.
5. Georgian Parliament bans fireworks at post-election protests.
Following recent post-election protests in Georgia, the Parliament passed a new law on 13th December banning the use of fireworks, face masks, and lasers during protests. The goal of the law is to reduce violence and improve public safety.
Anyone who breaks these rules will face fines, and authorities hope this will help prevent protests from escalating further.
6. Hundreds of drones malfunction during firework show in China
On 8th December, a fireworks display in Quanzhou, China took an unexpected turn when hundreds of drones malfunctioned and fell from the sky. The exact cause of the malfunction is under investigation, but it serves as a reminder that while drones are considered an eco-friendlier and quieter option, they rely on technology that can fail, as demonstrated by this display.
Unlike fireworks, which are regulated, the use of drones in large public displays raises concerns for the safety of onlookers.
https://youtu.be/1Kr-N07rEh0?feature=shared
Video showing drone malfunction – youtube.com
Stay updated with Firework News
December 2024 has brought a mix of celebrations and concerns surrounding fireworks. From shocking incidents like the Glasgow pub attack and clashes in the city centre to important debates in Parliament and Edinburgh Zoo’s appeal for animal welfare, this month has highlighted both the excitement and the issues related to fireworks.
With the fireworks regulation bill’s second reading set for 17th December, the future of fireworks in the UK is a hot topic. As New Year’s Eve nears, the skies will light up with celebrations, but the discussions around safety and responsibility will continue into 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates and news on fireworks.
