'Bang out of order': campaign launched to crack down on nuisance fireworks in Bradford
The campaign will “highlight the nuisance and upset caused by the anti-social use of fireworks.
A NEW campaign to crack down on the anti-social use of fireworks has been launched by Bradford Council.
Titled “Bang out of Order” the campaign will “highlight the nuisance and upset caused by the anti-social use of fireworks.
And there will be a particular focus on the use of fireworks at wedding celebrations.
Illegal firework use is something that has blighted Bradford for years.
A cross party review by Bradford Council held in 2021 found that fireworks were a problem across the District, but concluded that without new national legislation, tackling the issue could be an “impossible task.”
Recent efforts to tackle the issue include visits to wedding venues and work with Trading Standards to deal with illegal firework sales.
Now the new look, Reform-led Bradford Council is launching a campaign to crack down on the torment of fireworks.
A release from the Council “It is an offence to set off fireworks on any land without the landowner’s permission. This includes any land owned by Bradford Council which includes all parks and public roads. It is also an offence to let fireworks off after 11pm in almost all circumstances.
“Residents across the district have complained about this for several years, as fireworks disturb sleep, cause distress to people with a noise sensitivity, upset pets and can affect disorders such as PTSD.
“Bradford Council is working on several fronts to campaign for change including:
Meeting owners and managers of wedding venues to ask for their support in the campaign
Continuing to lobby the Government and supporting its plans to launch a national consultation on tougher firework laws, including lowering legal noise levels
Working with partners, including West Yorkshire Trading Standards to tackle the illegal sales of fireworks.
Other organisations supporting the initiative include campaign group Ban the Menace Fireworks and a number of wedding venues in the District, including Mashriq on New Otley Road.
Councillor Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said: “Fireworks have been a headache for people living in our district for many years and we share the frustration felt by many. We need to push for changes in legislation to tackle the illegal sale of fireworks and noise levels. Working with partners and wedding venues strengthens our message and we are grateful for the support we’ve already received on this.”
David Strover, Head of Trading Standards – Business Services, said “Whilst fireworks can be fun at certain times of the year, the year-round use of fireworks does cause issues for communities across West Yorkshire. We would encourage people to only buy from reputable outlets; ensure the firework’s safety instructions and warnings are labelled in English and that they bear either a CE mark or UKCA mark.
“Additionally, consumers should consider others when setting off fireworks and not do so in public places or at inappropriate times of the day or night. West Yorkshire Trading Standards works in partnership with the police, the fire service and the local authority to counter illegal sales, and use of fireworks and we will continue to do so throughout 2026.”
Nadeem Ali of Mashriq said: “At Mashriq, we are committed to eradicating the disruption caused by the anti-social use of fireworks. We work closely with Bradford Council to champion the Bang Out of Order initiative. We are thrilled that other wedding venues have followed our lead, implementing strict ‘no firework’ policies to ensure our community can celebrate joyfully and peacefully.”