A Spectacular Guide: Organising a Fireworks Event at Your School

Introduction 

Step by Step Guide

1. Planning and Preparation:

• Review Insurance: Review your insurance cover and contact your current provider to address any stipulations.
• Establish a Committee: Form a dedicated fireworks event committee composed of teachers, parents, and volunteers. Assign specific roles and responsibilities to ensure a well-coordinated effort. The Classlist sign up tool is a brilliant way of allocating tasks and scheduling helpers. 
• Choose a Date and Time: Select a date that doesn't conflict with other school events or local fireworks displays. An early evening start time is ideal for family-friendly events.
• Budget and Fundraising: Determine your budget and explore various fundraising options to cover expenses, such as ticket sales, sponsorship, and merchandise sales. According to our data ticket prices range from £2 - £10 entry fee.

2. Venue and Permits:

• Venue Selection: Choose a suitable location within your school premises, such as a sports field, ensuring it meets safety requirements and has ample space for spectators. Ensure you have enough space. Both the bonfire and fireworks display should be a minimum of 100 metres from any third party buildings (this includes the school). Spectators need to be at least 25 metres from the firework area. More details on 'Organising a Firework Display', can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website.
• Firework Display License: Obtain the necessary licences and permits from your local authority. The UK has strict regulations regarding fireworks displays, so ensure compliance. 

3. Safety First:

• Fire Safety: Consult with the police and fire brigade authorities at least seven days before the event. Collaborate with authorities to establish a comprehensive safety plan. Ensure the availability of fire extinguishers, first aid stations, and emergency exits.
• Crowd Control: Plan for crowd management to avoid overcrowding. Consider setting up barricades and designated viewing areas.
• Professional Firework Supplier: Hire a professional fireworks display company with experience in school events. They will handle the design, setup, and firing of the fireworks safely. Check with your school what level of public liability insurance they need and ask to see a copy.
• Qualified first aiders on site: Enlist the support of St John Ambulance. Let them know how many people you expect to attend - they will provide the required number of first aiders. 
• Stewards: You are required to have one steward for every 250 spectators.
• Risk assessment: You will need to complete a risk assessment - your Local Authority can provide guidance. Specify that no sparklers are to be brought on site.
• Neighbourly: Inform neighbours to ensure that pets are kept safely indoors.

4. Promotion and Marketing:

• Promotion Strategy: Develop a marketing plan to generate excitement and ticket sales. Decide if you are going to offer guest tickets and a guest checkout. Use Classlist (if your school is signed up), social media, school newsletters, local radio stations, local papers and posters to reach your target audience. 
• Tickets and Entry: Sell tickets in advance to streamline the entry process and ensure you have an accurate headcount. Classlist offers a fast and efficient way for parents and guests to purchase tickets on their mobile using ApplePay or GooglePay. Adopt a ticket-only policy on the gate. Keep queues to a minimum on the night by having printed wristbands as tickets - ask guests to wear them on arrival. Research the cost of other displays in your area and price tickets accordingly, ensuring you cover your costs.

5. Entertainment and Refreshments:

• Entertainment: Enhance the event with live music, a DJ, or other entertainment options to keep attendees engaged before the fireworks display.
• Food and Beverage: Arrange for food and drink vendors or consider hosting a bake sale or barbecue to keep attendees well-fed and hydrated.
• Commerce: Have stalls selling glow sticks and include a BBQ. Tea, coffee, beer and mulled wine will all be welcome, but a licence is required if selling alcohol.

6. The Fireworks Display:

• Timing: Coordinate with the fireworks display company to ensure a well-timed and breathtaking show.
• Music Sync: Consider synchronising the fireworks with music for a more immersive experience. Ensure you have the necessary equipment for this.
• As a minimum, provide your medics, lead steward, gate security and firework provider with two-way radios.
• Have a PA system or loud speaker in case safety instructions need to be given.
• All stewards should be wearing high-visibility jackets and have torches.
• You'll also need safety items such as fire extinguishers, site lighting and barricade fencing. 

7. Clean up and Post-Event:

• Cleanup Crew: Recruit volunteers to assist with post-event cleanup, including the removal of debris and trash.
• Thank You and Feedback: Express gratitude to volunteers, sponsors, and attendees. Collect feedback to improve future events.

Conclusion