BONFIRE Night in the Isle of Man will be celebrated with a number of organised major events around the Island tonight (Saturday).
The bonfire fireworks parties will be staged in Douglas, Port Erin, Peel and Ramsey - organised by the local authorities and all are free to attend.
Meanwhile, fire officers are encourgaing the public to attend an organised event, rather than hold their own private bonfire parties.
Fire officers and police say the key message to young people and parents in the Isle of Man is “Be Safe Not Sorry - Always Follow The Code”. They are keen to get the message out to the public that children and fireworks are “a dangerous mix.”
The OFT said in a statement, “No-one under 18 can buy fireworks legally and yet, consistently in the UK, past statistics show over half those suffering injuries each year are under 18. Young people on the Island have fared better over the years but the agencies are determined that we should not become complacent.”
The Office of Fair Trading is responsible for ensuring the safe storage of fireworks at retailers’ premises and the prevention of the sale of banned fireworks on the Island. The Fire Service lead the fireworks safety campaign and the police deal with public nuisance behaviour, as well as working with the Office of Fair Trading to reinforce the message to retailers and young people that fireworks can only be sold to those over 18.
Chief Officer of the Office of Fair Trading Paul Gelling said, “The Office of Fair Trading has worked successfully with the police and the fire service for a number of years to ensure that problems with fireworks are kept to a minimum.
“OFT staff take their licensing responsibilities very seriously and are pleased to acknowledge the support of the other agencies. I hope that this year’s fireworks safety campaign helps to ensure another safe bonfire night for all Island residents.”
Schools are always keen to promote the safety message and the Office of Fair Trading has supplied them with fireworks safety material. In addition the police and fire service have visited schools to talk to targeted groups about the dangers. The Department of Education and Children Youth Service has also promoted the safety messages through its youth clubs.
During the period up to November 6 firework displays can be held without notifying the Department of Home Affairs, but anyone planning a display outside of that period must notify the Department at least 21 days in advance of the display date.
Peter Killey of the Isle of Man Fire Service said, “It is essential that people follow the fireworks code to ensure that they stay safe. Fireworks are explosives and burn at high temperatures, so they need careful handling and storage.”
He said there were some rules to follow:- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks; Light fireworks at arm's length with a taper; Stand well back and keep others back; Never go back to a firework after it has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode; Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them; Always supervise children; Store fireworks in a metal box, kept closed between use; Keep pets indoors; and Never give sparklers to children under 5.
Mike Radcliffe, police crime prevention officer, added, “I am very pleased that the number of incidents over the ‘fireworks week’ has been diminishing during the past few years. In general fireworks seem to be being used sensibly and it is not the intention of the police to prevent people enjoying themselves.
Organised major fireworks displays and bonfires will be held at the following venues tonight (Saturday):-
Douglas:
Douglas Borough Council firework display. The Best Guy Competition will be judged at 5.45pm from the 3FM. tent. The fireworks will be fired from a barge at 7.00pm.
Ramsey:
Ramsey Firework Spectacular, sponsored by Sure, from 7.30pm, on the Mooragh Lake Island. Hot drinks and snacks on site. In the interests of safety, paths from Grove and Windsor Mount Areas will be closed. Parking by Ballacloan Road. Please do not bring your own fireworks or sparklers.
Port Erin:
Grand Fireworks display starting at 7pm. Port Erin beach. Best illuminated lantern competition - no naked flames to be used. Gather at the Cosy Nook Cafe, Shore Road, Port Erin at 6.30pm. Lantern parade at 6pm from the railway station through the town to the cafe. Please do not bring your own fireworks or sparklers. 832298.
Peel:
Starting at 7.30pm, Peel beach. Bonfire lighting at 7pm. This year there will be a lantern parade starting from opposite Cookies and Candy on Peel promenade at 6.30pm. This is being organised in conjuction with Peel clothworkers School. The Vikings of Mann are also organising a torchlight procession starting from the Castle and finishing at the bonfire.
