In danger of becoming eclipsed by Halloween, Bonfire Night is a very English commemoration of the Gunpowder Plot.

Many people feel inclined to leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals, restricting themselves - and their kids - to the comparatively tame pleasures of sparklers.

But if you're going to eschew the laid-on entertainment of professional dislays, and feel inclined to recapture those thrilling November evenings of childhood, follow a few simple rules.

Top Tips for Bonfire Night

Remember that fireworks are noisy. Warn your neighbours - especially if they are pet-owners - and preferably invite them to firework parties.

Don't position bonfires downwind of neighbours' houses and don't let any pyromaniacs loose on getting the fire started.

Prepare your fireworks carefully (eg nail the Catherine wheels to a tree, position the rockets in flowerbeds etc.) well before the guests arrive.

Ensure that there is a safe buffer zone between fireworks and guests, especially small children.

Lay on plenty of (safe) sparklers; they'll keep kids busy during hiatuses in the display.

Keep the firework display contained to a certain timeframe (e.g. 7.30-8pm). Sporadic bursts punctuating the evening may irritate neighbours, disappoint guests and disrupt the flow of the evening.

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