Fireworks go on sale in just under a week.
Most of the displays are private, and will be taking place on Wednesday 5 November.
The sale of fireworks is tightly controlled locally, with only licensed premises able to sell them, and even then only the week before Bonfire Night.
This year, the sale of fireworks is permitted from Wednesday 29 October, until the close of business on 5 November.
Fireworks should then be set off on 5 November, with an alternative evening allowed between Monday 3 and Friday 7 November.
Tobin Cook, director of Environmental Health & Pollution Regulation, said the States wanted everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night, and encouraged event organisers to familiarise themselves with the guidelines beforehand.
‘It’s quick and easy to get in touch with our team to make sure that we’re aware of your event, and there is plenty of information online to advise you on best practices, good neighbourliness, and consideration for local wildlife when planning your bonfire night,’ he said.
So far 16 events have been confirmed for 5 November on the States website, with more expected to be confirmed closer to the time. There are only two public events confirmed on the site so far – the 2nd Guernsey Scouts and Guernsey Raiders, but other venues have been advertising events.
Although the firework guidance is only a recommendation, the bonfire timing is set by law as being the two days either side of Bonfire Night. This year that means those timings do not include a Saturday. At least two events are being held at the weekend, but neither are set to hold bonfires.
The news of the bonfire restrictions came as a blow to St Martin’s AC.
Club director Ben Hunter said the club had been forced to cancel their bonfire two years ago due to Storm Ciaran and they had decided not to have one last year.
But it had planned to stage a bonfire this year.
It pulled the idea after it was flagged to the club by Environmental Health, as it was three days after 5 November so in breach of the rules.
‘We are going to stay on the Saturday, but we are not going to have a bonfire,’ Mr Hunter said.
‘There is no point moving the date.’
The club uses a professional firework coordinator, who has a busy schedule around this time, so changing the night was not an option, he said.
Fortunately the club was planning only to build its bonfire on the day, so no structure had gone up yet.
‘We’ll hope to do a bonfire next year, if the dates work out better,’ Mr Hunter said.
Anyone planning to hold a public or private bonfire or firework display is asked to submit details of the event at gov.gg/events, which helps inform neighbours and animal owners about potential noise. Private displays should be kept to the designated day on Wednesday 5 November.
Anyone planning a firework display within three nautical miles of the airport should register their event with Guernsey Ports as soon as possible.
While the risk of collision with aircraft is small, fireworks have the potential to cause distraction during flight operations, especially when launched within the vicinity of Guernsey Airport or around the flight approach.
Organisers of firework displays should complete this short form.
Public displays
The 2nd Guernsey Scouts
The group is holding their bonfire night on 5 November at the Wayfarer Centre in Rue du Haut, Vale. It will start at 5pm, with the bonfire lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks set off at 7.30pm. Entry is £2 for adults and £1 for children. As parking is limited people are encouraged to walk, cycle or carshare.
La Villette Hotel
The hotel is inviting the community to its second public bonfire and firework display. The event will be held at the rear of the St Martin’s Hotel on Wednesday 5 November.The field will open at 5pm, with a pop-up kitchen. At 6pm there will be a best Guy Fawkes competition, with the bonfire lit at 6.15pm. The firework display will start at 7.15pm, followed the meatdraw at 7.45pm. Donations will be collected for Guernsey Motor Neurone. Parking is limited.
Belgrave Wanderers Football Club
The football club is holding its annual bonfire night and fireworks display at the football ground on 5 November.
The gates open 5.45pm, with the bonfire lit at 6.30pm and fireworks at 7.15pm.
Any guys for the bonfire need to be handed in on arrival. Entry costs £3 for adults and £1 for children. It can be paid in cash or by card.
St Martin’s AC
The club is holding a fireworks celebration on Saturday 8 November at the ground in Blanche Pierre Lane.
It starts at 6pm at the clubhouse. The fireworks are at 7pm, followed by the meatdraw at about 8pm. There is a designated sparkler zone. Entry is free.
Guernsey Raiders
The rugby club is hosting a firework night on Sunday 9 November.
The annual event will be held at the Garenne Stand in Footes Lane.
Gates open at 5pm, with fireworks set off at about 6.30pm.
Parking will be available at Les Varendes High School in Footes Lane, and there will be a one-way road system northbound that day. Active transport is encouraged.
Tickets can be purchased on the door, with entry costing £3 per person, with family entry for £10.
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