National news
Bonfire night
This year, firework night falls on a Saturday, so we can expect some great opportunities to party with friends or family.
Garden parties
A garden party with neighbours is a great way to spread the cost of fireworks and to stay in touch with people you may have connected with during the lockdowns back in 2020. It seems so long ago now and perhaps best forgotten for many, but for some the weekly clap for the NHS provided some much-needed respite from the loneliness.
Neighbours talked to each other more and became friends during a difficult period. Since life returned to normal, many of those friendships have been lost. So, what better opportunity to reach out and connect with those closest to you?
Even if you’re not planning a party and just having a private celebration, it’s a great chance to tell your neighbours you may be having a garden party, especially if they have pets they may wish to shelter from any noise. See below for some great advice on helping those with pets.
Organised displays
Most towns, cities and villages will host their own fireworks displays with prices ranging from up to £20 per person or free-to-enter or a donation. This can feel like an awful lot of money for a family of four, but when you consider the price that home-bought fireworks can cost, weighed against the awesome displays towns can put on, it can be a good night out.
It may seem a little extravagant, but don’t forget to take your foldable camp chairs for the best seats in the house. Plus, deck chairs can provide the best lean-back view to save your neck muscles as the crowd goes ohhhh and ahhhh.
Tickets for public displays often sell out on the days leading up to the event, plus, you can usually get a cheaper price than on-the-door tickets if you book in advance, so remember to check local listings for events near you or scour further afield for cheaper or free enter displays.
Advice for those with pets
For those of us with fury friends, fireworks can be a real pain. But with a little preparation, you can minimise the impact and distress caused by strange sights, sounds and smells.
- Find out if/when your town or neighbours are putting on displays and walk your dogs before the festivities begin.
- Now’s a good time to make sure your pet’s ID tags and chips are up to date
- You can steadily expose your pets to loud noises beforehand, especially helpful for puppies, and kittens of those which this might be their first firework night.
- Turn lights on and close doors and windows to shut out the noise
- Create a comfy, familiar, safe place in the middle of your property with a heavy blanket or an old t-shirt that smells of you
- Experiment with pheromones to placate and pacify your animals.
- Some fresh food and water and perhaps even a special treat or toy may help
- Stay with your pet. Cuddle and soothe them regularly with lots of attention during and after the events.
Whether you celebrate bonfire night or relax with a good book or tv series. Have a fab bonfire night and remember that CSSC can help you stay cosy and warm this autumn through our CSSC savings offers and deals.
