local authorities to make for a safe and enjoyable night, so be sure to seek it out before lighting the touch paper or joining an organised event.
The Business of Pyrotechnics The history of fireworks dates back to China in the 7th century where displays accompanied festivities, a trend that spread to many other cultures around the world. The popularity of these displays created a firework manufacturing industry and the much-respected profession of the pyrotechnician. It seems, however, that the mainstay of the industry is harking back to its Chinese roots. The business in Britain is now modest, only numbering around 40 companies, which employ a few hundred people fulltime, although this number rises
to around 4,000 during busy periods. Britain’s manufacturing side, however, is suffering since the majority of fireworks are now made in China and imported. The squeeze on materials and labour costs, plus fierce competition in the business, has caused the UK’s industry to downsize and concentrate on specialist markets and displays, rather than manufacture. There are also concerns that the standard of products coming into the country from China and the Far East might be dropping, and will have an adverse bearing on safety. Despite these concerns, our love affair with the spectacle continues. And for Britain, Guy Fawkes Night provides enough history and national enthusiasm to step out into the cold November air to indulge just one more time. By James Smith
The British Pyrotechnists Association (BPA) www.pyro.org.uk Bonfire Night - Your Guide To A Safer Event www.bonfire-night-safety.co.uk The Firefighters Charity www.firefighterscharity.org.uk
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