Firework fast Facts
1. Fireworks were invented by the Chinese nearly 2,000 years ago. The Chinese Cracker, a bamboo case filled with potassium nitrate, was used to scare away evil spirits.
2. Fireworks were introduced to Europe during the 13th Century. It's widely believed that they were brought back from the East by Christian Crusaders.
3. The first recorded use of fireworks in Britain was at the wedding of King Henry VII to Elizabeth of York in 1486.
4. The main ingredients of fireworks - potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulphur - are the same basic ingredients as gunpowder.
5. Guy Fawkes and his Gunpowder Plot of 1605 gives Britain its biggest annual excuse to get out the fireworks. In America, fireworks form a traditional part of Independence Day celebrations. In France, it's Bastille Day.
6. Over 150 million fireworks are sold annually in Britain. Whilst most fireworks are legally available to the public, many of the fireworks used at organised displays may only be handled and fired by a 'professional' pyrotechnician. (See: 'So You Wanna Be A Pyrotechnician'.)
7. Up until the early 19th Century, coloured fireworks didn't exist. Then somebody had the bright idea of adding metal compounds to the standard firework mixture.
8. Throwing a firework in a street or public place is a criminal offence, with a maximum fine of £5,000.
9. Under the Explosives Act of 1875, it is illegal to make or dismantle any firework outside of a factory licensed under the Act. It is also illegal to carry more than 2kg of fireworks on any form of public transport, or in a taxi.
10. Bangers are illegal in Northern Ireland. If you have any or use them you are committing a criminal offence.
