Star Fireworks FAQs

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Below you can find a list of Star Fireworks FAQ sorted by category.

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List of General FAQ

Why are small tame inanimate fireworks sometimes given a Cat3 25m rating under BS7114 part 2 1988 requirements? I have had some of these before and they are poor at that distance and fall flat at 25m in a good sized field or large garden.

Unfortunately, the British Standard only has two different categories of outdoor fireworks that can be sold to the public. Gardens Fireworks (or category 2 fireworks) are labelled for use outdoors and viewing at a distance of 5 metres. Display Fireworks (or category 3 fireworks) are labelled for use outdoors and viewing at a distance of 25 metres. Unfortunately by not having a category inbetween (eg: for viewing at 10 metre), then a small firework that may technically be safe to view at 6 metres, will automatically default to 25 metres. About 10 years ago you could buy sparklers that were 3 or 4 feet long, but as they exceeeded the length of a Category 2 handheld sparkler, they automatically fell into Category 3 and had to be labelled for viewing at 25 metres - with binoculars I suppose!

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What is the difference between you doing a display and me doing it myself? If i wanted you to do a display for me would you use the fireworks that are in your online shop?

Star Fireworks have over 35 years experience and a glittering list of clients for their professionally fired shows. The key differences between our pros firing your display and you firing it, are that we have access to biggest and beautiful fireworks available from across the World - whereas the fireworks we sell to the public are limited by law in size and power. In addition our crews are highly trained, use the latest state of the art firing equipment and all our shows come safely backed up by £10 million year round insurance. That said, we know that were not the only fireworks fans in this country, which is why we also a great DIY range available online and in our colour brochure. We audition all of fireworks sold to the public to make sure they come up to our strictly spectacular standards! To sum up - in a professional display you get big fireworks, expert design and choreography, fired by trained, fully insured crews. In a DIY display, you get to fire the fireworks yourself, choosing from a huge range on sale to the public, available all year round, backed up by an expert customer advice line.

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I am from the USA and would like to celebrate 4th of July here. Are there any general rules about where I am allowed to setup fireworks?

Star Fireworks are a UK based firework supplier, and unfortunately we cannot ship fireworks to the general public outside of the UK. We can however provide professionally fired fireworks displays, anywhere in the World.

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Do you sell ematches? or something similar, I cant find them anywhere in the UK.... help!!! thanks

Unfortunately we only supply igniters (ematches) to professionals. Theyre not a product on general sale to members of the public - partly due to the extreme hazards they present when connected to a firework and the consequences of mis-use. Igniters can be set-off by impact and static electricity, as well as the normal electrical voltage supplied from firing systems. Stepping on one by accident can be enough to set it off.

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Hello, My garden is approximately 32ft Sq and I have a party at my house this weekend in which I would love to have some fireworks to make an impression (starting up of own business so loud and colourful would be great!!). Do you have anything I can use in my garden? Many thanks in anticipation, Iain

Hi there Iain. All of the fireworks we sell have a recommended safe viewing distance of 25 metres. As long as you have that distance I would suggest using one or a selection of our "single ignition" fireworks which light from only one fuse and fire off a sequence of multiple different effects. Have a look at our online shop for some more specific information on each product. If you are local to our Bracknell shop, we have a range of fireworks with a recommended safe viewing distance of only 5 metres. These fireworks are of course no where near as spectacular as the larger ones we supply online but offer great effects at close range.

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Ive seen some american firecrackers on the net. Theyre tubes of about 200 firecrackers that go off all at once. Are these legal in the UK?

Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately, fireworks such as firecrackers and airbombs are no longer available to the general public in the UK.

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hi there, im a firework enthusiast and i would love to know what causes that wicked, extremely loud bang in a titanium report? cheers, rich in wigan.

Hi Rich.. When an explosive is initiated (ie: it goes off) it rapidly produces a large amount of gas. The gas rapidly expands and gives off energy as it becomes hot. This rapid expansion bursts the case of the firework unit the explosive is contained in, and the bursting is the main contributor to the bang. It just so happens that the flash powder contained in titanium salutes is one of the most potent pyrotechnic compositions for making bangs.

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How late can I let off fireworks?

A change in the law in 2004 has now made it illegal to let off fireworks between the hours of 11pm at night and 7am in the morning - but there are a few exceptions! On 5th November you can let off fireworks until midnight, and on New Years Eve, Diwali and the first day of the Chinese New Year you can light fireworks up until 1am.

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Im giving a party for my mothers 85th on Sunday - a friend was to do fireworks (professional) but now cannot. I have someone who can ignite for me but am wary of buying DIY pack without knowing more about contents.. I would prefer NOT to have anything too loud as we have a park full of "wild" animals.. who might get more wild! We do have a suitable area for display.. only 50 guests. What would you suggest??

We at Star Fireworks are always asked about quiet fireworks because naturally people do have concerns about creating an annoyance to neighbours. Unfortunately, there really isnt such a thing as a quiet firework. It is the bang in a firework which disperses the contents to create the effect in the sky. The only fireworks which I could say are certain to be quiet are fountains (although some of these do contain crackles). Having said that, some fireworks are quieter than others. All of the fireworks in Star Fireworks online catalogue do come with a noise rating, 10=loud and 1=quiet. The important thing to remember is that you will be setting the fireworks off responsibly (no later than 11pm), there should be enough space and that it will not be for a prelonged period of time so there will im sure be minimal disruption to local wildlife.

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Do single ignition displays HAVE to be buried or staked into the ground? Most are quite safe used on a flat level surface.

Hi Anthony - good question! Professionals will often stake a firework rather than bury - but I think would certainly do one or the other. From a legal perspective, the instructions are there for your own safety and the safety of your audience - you may have problems if you were to have an accident and hadnt been following the manufacturers instructions.

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are we allowed to let fireworks off on sunday the 7th nov

Yes, Tessa - no problem, as long as you fire them between the hours of 7am and 11pm.

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where is your shop? and what is the best way to light a cake or a roman candle

Hi, our shop is located in Bullbrook in Bracknell. You can find directions on our contact page. The best way to light a cake or candle is with a "PORTFIRE". These can be found in the "SAFETY EQUIPMENT" category. Full instructions on how to set up and light any our fireworks can always be found on the packaging. Thank you for your enquiry.

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Hi, Its some time off but reading your advice, it seems you know your fireworks. I will be having a family party for my Mother in laws 80th the yera after next with approx 70-100 guests and it is going to be at the selsdon park hotel in Surrey. What do you charge for labour to do a display and for a wow factor display with loads of colour, noise bangs and filling the sky what would you sugguest i should budget for a 10-15 miuete display inclusive of your set up. A informed some time off but can you assist at this moment and provide some information and a list of what you can do in the display, let me know if you are able to arrange so that i can start saving, Many Thanks Brian

Hi Brian, Thanks for the compliment! Wed be very happy to help you plan a fireworks display the year after next. Fireworks are always changing, and our range will certainly have changed by then - so its probably best not to suggest actual fireworks now. My advice is for you to work out how much you can afford to spend, and then come back to us in 2013 and we can help you put together an order. Budget is as long as a piece of string - some people will spend £50, others £5000. Youre in the driving seat on that one!

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What does the 1.3G mean on the boxes? Is it 1.3grams of high exsplosive per tube? Chears!

All hazardous materials need to be clearly identified for storage and transportation by the UN. You will find hazard diamonds on all kinds of things such as feul lorries or gas bottles. An orange diamond with 1.3g in it is a way of identifying the kind of hazardous material in fireworks. It is also common to see 1.4g on firework packaging. This marking is simply a way of identifying which hazard division the firework belongs to and bears not relation to the amount of high explosive per tube as the "g" does not stand for grams.

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im just wondering if there is such a thing as a pyrotechnics course to get rcognised qualifications for pyrotechnics? ive searched the net and so far no luck, if there is such a qualification, what possible careers are open to it regarding pyro, special affects etc.

Hi Thomas, Unfortunately there isnt a recognised qualification for pyrotechnics as such. Industry professionals can undergo training with the British Pyrotechnists Association, but this isnt really an opening as such into the industry and certainly doesnt entitle you to use professional pyrotechnics.

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List of Safety FAQ

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM SAFETY DISTANCE IN WHICH THE CROWD CAN BE SITUATED FROM YOUR DISPLAY FIREWORKS?

The minimum safety distance as required by the British Standard BS7114:2:88 for all of our display fireworks is 25 metres. Remember, this is a minimum distance and when you consider the actual distance youre going to use you should consider the wind direction, the surrounding land and the types of fireworks youre using. Larger, more powerful fireworks should always go at the back of your firing site, the furthest away from the audience.

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Whats the best way to set up a roman candle battery?

We always recommend staking as the safest and strongest way of supporting a battery. Use a mallet to firmly knock a decent wooden stake into the ground, and then attach the roman candle battery to the back of the stake - thats the side furthest away from the audience. We suggest strong cloth tape (gaffer tape) or similar to attach the candle. By attaching the side furthest from the audience, if the battery fails it should fall away from the crowd.

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How should I waterproof my fireworks?

Waterproofing your fireworks is absolutely essential. They can absorb rain, dew or general dampness on the ground through the top and base of the firework - even in the Summer! We recommend you use thin, lightweight plastic bags to cover the entire firework - top and bottom. The firework will burn through the plastic without any problems. Take extra care when waterproofing set pieces like wheels to ensure they can still turn when waterproofed.

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Why is it that some fireworks can be classed as cat2 5m garden fireworks in a selection box but when that same firework is in a multipack of several of the same type they can be rated as Cat3 25m display fireworks? The same thing can happen with multipack fireworks where they are rated as Cat2 5m garden fireworks but when sold in a selection box the same firework(s) are given a Cat3 25m display firework rating! Please explain.

The labelling on the selection box will default to the highest category of firework inside - so, if you have just one Category 3 25m firework in the box, the box label will have to say Category 3 - even though there may be Category 2 items contained within the selection.

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I am organising a firework display at the school, other than a sign for the display area are there any other safety signs I should put up, maybe a warning or a disclosure sign Thanks

Were probably not the best people to advise on other signs outside of the fireworks safety area. Your own insurers for your event might the best people to speak to.

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What qualification or licence do you need to use pyrotechnic in an arena or theatre setting.

Unfortunately Star Fireworks specialises in fireworks - for stage or arena pyrotechnics you would be better speaking to a special effects or stage pyrotechnics company.

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Is it absolutely necessary to wear FULL ppe when displaying with large mixed selection boxes of Cat2 5m fireworks and Cat3 25m fireworks or display kits containing both types of fireworks? I just wear a 3 in one hardhat eardefenders and clearvisor and suitable gloves and find this adequate protection;problem with having to wear overalls as well is;they get in the way and sort of tend to hinder the displayer.

Well, the general public arent advised by the Government that they need to wear full PPE when letting off consumer fireworks - although they are advised to wear gloves and eye protection. If youre firing a display where there are going to be a lot of fireworks going off then full personal protection equipment (PPE) is advisable - things like hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, overalls, gloves, firm footware etc, and certainly if youre doing it as a form of employment there are laws that require you to use PPE.

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hi can you tell me if foil is good for a waterproofing fireworks? also if small 5m roman candles and small cakes can shoot through foil many thanks

We use a sticky-backed foil to waterproof and sparkproof our fireworks in our professional displays. All of the fireworks fire through it, without any problems!

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List of Shopping Info FAQ

on what date do all the fireworks from the catalog become available on your website?

All of the fireworks are already available on the website. A few out of stocks items are not listed.

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what would you say is the best firework for July 4th celebrations?

Without doubt for 4th July Independence Day Celebrations I would reccommend using one or a selection of single ignition fireworks. The obvious choice would be INDEPENDENCE DAY (£70). But there are plenty of others to choose from such as MIDNIGHT FINALE (£70) or maybe consider the ANACONDA CANDLE PACK (£90), it is a selection of three GIANT candles in RED, WHITE and BLUE. I hope you find what you are looking for and have a great day on 4th July for Independence Day.

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What is the biggest rocket available to the public. I want one with a really loud bang and will fill the sky up as much as possible. Ive seen the black panther on your site and been told of the big mumma, which would you reccommend? Also do you sell the rocket and if so how much.

Hi, Black Panther is the largest rocket we sell. It will rise to around 120 metres and gives a massive effect. It comes in four varieties all of which have twin effects in them such as "Lemon Peony Burst with Green Twinkle Palm". I can wholeheartedly recommend it!

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Do you sell airbombs or bangers?

It has been illegal to sell airbombs, bangers and mini-rockets to the public in the UK for some time. The sale of bangers and mini-rockets were banned in 1997, and the sale of airbombs was banned in 2004 although the UK fireworks industry withdrew them from sale voluntarily the year before.

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Can you tell me what type of fireworks produce the large bursts of coloured stars like palm trees?

There are lots of different fireworks that produce the effect you describe. Youll find them in our some of our rocket selections (eg: Titan Rocket Pack), Jurassic Storm, Peacock in Season, Mega Celebration and some of our Display Packs.

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