Bonfire Night: setting off fireworks in the street could land you a criminal record, police warn

West Midlands Police is urging people in Sheldon, Yardley and across the region to go to an organised display this Bonfire Night rather than setting off fireworks at home. The force has also warned that letting them off in streets or parks is a criminal offence.

Extra officers will be out on patrol around known antisocial behaviour hotspots, the force said in a WMnow alert to residents.

You must not set off or throw fireworks, sparklers included, in the street or any other public place. Police say that covers parks as well as roads and pavements.

Using fireworks illegally can bring an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison. Officers can also issue an on-the-spot fine of £90.

Police point out that a criminal record can follow you for years, affecting visa applications, travel abroad and job prospects.

Fireworks can only be used between 7am and 11pm, with later cut-offs on a few nights:

Diwali falls this Sunday (8 November), so the later 1am cut-off applies that night. Fireworks set off after 1am on Monday morning are illegal.

You must be 18 or over to buy adult fireworks.

Last Bonfire Night, fireworks were fired at members of the public and police officers in Birmingham city centre. West Midlands Police later charged 19 people aged between 14 and 25.

With Bonfire Night on a Thursday this year, most organised displays are at the weekend. The closest large one to B26 is the Solihull Round Table fireworks at Tudor Grange Park on Saturday 7 November. Gates open at 4.30pm, the bonfire is lit at 6.30pm, with a family display at 7pm and the main display at 8pm.

Tickets are sold in advance, so check with the organisers before you set off.