People either love or hate fireworks — we take a look at what’s happening with these divisive pyrotechnics this New Year’s Eve in Belfast
Rob Currell GAU audience writer
15:30, 30 Dec 2025Updated 15:31, 30 Dec 2025
Fireworks at Titanic slipway, Belfast(Image: Getty)
With the news that Belfast City Council won’t be hosting a fireworks display for this upcoming New Year’s celebrations, many people have been left wondering how to go about organising a private fireworks display.
But, it is not as simple as turning up to a shop and buying fireworks this year, with NI Direct informing: “If you want to buy, possess and use fireworks (except indoor fireworks and sparklers), in Northern Ireland you must have a valid fireworks licence.”
Applications to apply for the licence expired on October 17, so if you have left it too late, you won’t be able to legally partake this year. Authorities warn that fireworks offences carry a maximum fine of £5,000 or a three-month prison sentence, or both. The good news for fans is there is still expected to be some smaller displays around Northern Ireland by venues and private citizens this year.
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Advice from NI Direct states: “Fireworks can cause fear and distress, especially amongst older people and more vulnerable members of the community. You are also reminded of the traumatic effects that fireworks can have on pets and farm animals. Low noise fireworks may be available to buy from your local registered retailer.”
Fireworks can cause fear and distress, especially amongst older people and more vulnerable members of the community. They can also be traumatic for pets and farm animals.
Fireworks in Belfast(Image: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye)Fireworks guidance
- You must not possess, buy or use fireworks (except indoor fireworks and sparklers) unless you have a fireworks licence issued by the Department of Justice for Northern Ireland
- You must show your licence to the retailer when you buy your fireworks
- All sparkler packets must display the following words: “Warning: not to be given to children under five years of age”
- The fireworks packaging must be written in English
- Fireworks must not be thrown or let off in a street or public place (other than a properly licensed public display)
- Category F1 (indoor) fireworks must not be sold to children under 16 years of age
- Category F2 (garden) and Category F3 (display) fireworks must not be sold to people under 18 years of age
- It is illegal for fireworks to be sold from premises not licensed/registered by the Department of Justice (retailers are required to display their certificates of registration at the point of sale)
- It is illegal to sell fireworks at markets and car boot sales, and from vans, including ice-cream vans
- You should never buy or use fireworks which do not have the European standard CE marking printed on the box
- The general public must not buy or use Category F4 (professional use only) fireworks
According to NI Direct, fireworks must not be sold on a street or in a public place. They advise that to be on the safe side, think of a public place as anywhere other than your own garden.
If you have any further questions about the use of fireworks or how to get a licence, you can contact the Fireworks helpline on 0300 200 7881 (Northern Ireland only).
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