Community building Partnerships

Navigating fireworks season with Nextdoor and the RSPCA

Written by Alice Skeats

As we head into autumn and approach seasonal celebrations such as Diwali, Bonfire Night, Eid and New Year’s Eve, fireworks will undoubtedly brighten our skies. While these displays bring joy to many, they can also cause distress to neighbours, young children, pets and wildlife 

Recognising these challenges, Nextdoor is supporting the RSPCA’s Kind Sparks campaign, to encourage thoughtful conversations amongst neighbours to promote more responsible and considerate celebrations.

The Kind Sparks campaign stems from research revealing that nearly half of UK pet owners find Bonfire Night to be one of the most stressful days of the year for their pets. With 14 million people planning home-based fireworks displays and 22 million attending public events, there is an evident need for mindful and considerate celebrations. According to the RSPCA, 43% of pet owners adjust their lifestyles during fireworks season due to unexpected displays, and nearly a quarter (24%) of people do not inform neighbours about holding a private display.

Through the Kind Sparks guide, the RSPCA offers practical tips and advice for planning private firework displays or attending public events. 

Nextdoor encourages neighbours to use this guide to make small changes that can significantly reduce the distress caused to our communities.

Top tips for a responsible fireworks night from Nextdoor and the RSCPA:

  • Notify your neighbours: Let your neighbours know about your plans to set off fireworks well in advance, giving them enough time to prepare and make necessary arrangements. You can share a post on Nextdoor, send a direct message for a personal touch, or pop a note through their door. Check out the RSPCA Kind Sparks guide for advice and information on how to have these conversations.
  • Use low-noise fireworks: Choose quieter fireworks options such as Roman candles to minimise distress caused to animals. Sharing these plans on Nextdoor can help ease concerns within your neighbourhood.
  • Attend public displays: Opt for public firework displays rather than private ones. This reduces the unpredictability and impact on local pets and wildlife, while also providing an opportunity to enjoy the festivities with your community. Check out Nextdoor to see if neighbours are talking about displays near you.
  • Stick to traditional dates: Limit firework displays to traditional celebrations like Diwali, Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, and Chinese New Year. This helps pet owners and neighbours prepare in advance. Announce your plans on Nextdoor to ensure everyone is informed and can take necessary precautions.
  • Consider alternatives: Explore alternative celebrations such as light displays, projections, or drone shows that offer the same atmosphere without the loud bangs. Discuss and share these alternative ideas on Nextdoor to inspire others in your community.

    Use these tips and the RSPCA’s Kind Sparks Guide to help navigate fireworks season and ensure everyone can enjoy the celebrations.

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