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For families wanting a bold, celebratory farewell rather than a quiet one, incorporating a small amount of ashes into a fireworks display has become a popular tribute. It’s usually done in one of two ways: consumer fireworks, loaded with a small amount of ashes and set off yourself in a private garden or on land you have permission to use, or a full professional display, run by a specialist crew for a bigger occasion.
No licence is needed for a private display using consumer fireworks on your own land, though it must be set off before 11pm (later on Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year) and kept well clear of neighbours and property. Professional displays, better suited to larger gatherings, are run by trained pyrotechnic crews and typically start from around £500, rising to £1,000 or more for a fuller display, with loading the ashes into the fireworks charged as an addition.
Below you’ll find UK specialists offering ashes-in-fireworks tributes, both self-fired and professionally run.
Do I need a licence to include ashes in a fireworks display? No, provided you’re using consumer-grade fireworks on private land with the landowner’s permission. Professional displays are run by licensed crews on your behalf.
How much does it cost? Consumer options loaded with ashes are more affordable, while professional displays typically start from around £500 to £1,000, with ashes loading charged as an extra.
Is it safe to add ashes to a firework myself? It’s strongly recommended you don’t, adding weight to a firework, especially a rocket, can make it unstable. Specialist companies handle this safely as part of their service.
What time can a private display be held? Displays must finish by 11pm on most nights, extending to midnight on 5 November and 1am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.