Halloween and bonfire night

Introduction

In previous years Halloween and Bonfire Night have been two of the busiest nights for the Police and Fire Service with many reports of anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and arson.

Following last year's successful campaign, Safer Bristol Partnership are again conducting a joint campaign aimed at reducing these incidents and making sure that everyone in Bristol is able to enjoy these occasions safely and without fear or worry.

Halloween

The message across Bristol this year is:

'Don't be a horror this Halloween but you can have fun!'

To help make Halloween safe and fun for everyone this year posters are available for residents to display in their windows to say whether or not they would like to receive trick or treat callers. The posters are available from any local police station or can be downloaded below.

Avon and Somerset Police also have a poster for shopkeepers, informing customers that to prevent anti-social behaviour they will not be selling eggs or flour to under 18s. You can download the poster at the bottom of this page.

If you are planning on going trick or treating this year have fun but please have respect for people who may not want to take part in the occassion. All posters are available to download below.

Bonfire Night

Bonfire night is an occasion enjoyed by thousands of people across Bristol each year. But it is important to remember that bonfires and fireworks can be dangerous. In 2006 over 1,000 people in the UK suffered injuries from fireworks - half of these were children under the age of 16.

The safest way to enjoy Bonfire night is at an organised display. However if you are planning on holding your own firework party, please make sure you follow the firework code:

• Keep pets indoors.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box.
• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
• Follow the instructions on each firework.
• Never give sparklers to a child under five.
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Light at arm's length, using a taper - stand well back.
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.

Find out about organised fireworks events in Bristol at Visit Bristol.co.uk.

A firework safety poster aimed at children is available to download below and you can also play online games and quizzes.

Fireworks retailers

List of fireworks retailers that are legally registered to store and sell fireworks in Bristol.

Contact us

In an emergency always dial 999.

For information or advice or if you have any concerns about anti-social behaviour, illegal firework sales or firework misuse you can call the police non-emergency number on 0845 456 7000 or call us on 0117 922 2500.

Do your bit - you can help prevent illegal bonfires and arson by reporting abandoned cars, fly-tipping (rubbish, sofas etc.). Call this number: 0117 922 2100.

Posters to download

No Trick Or Treat Here (pdf, 1.2 MB) (opens new window)

We Welcome Halloween Callers (pdf, 1.1 MB) (opens new window)