It's New Year's Eve - one of the biggest and most popular party nights in the calendar.
And many thousands of households across Greater Manchester will be celebrating the new year with a bang as the clocks turn midnight. Fireworks are often let off to herald the start of a new year and the first few minutes of 2023 will be no different this year.
The new year fireworks display in London returns this year after Covid restrictions, with more than 100,000 people expected in capital to usher in 2023 for first time since 2019. The traditional Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh are also expected to attract huge crowds.
Revellers in Manchester will be able to see in the New Year with an official countdown party in the city centre. Council bosses have confirmed that the event space in Piccadilly Gardens will host the official free countdown to 2023 in Manchester.
But there will be no fireworks as part of the celebration this year, with the council blaming budgetary pressures for foregoing the traditional New Year's Eve entertainment this year.
So if you do have plans for a small firework display at home there may be some rules and laws that you are not aware of, and it's also important to be mindful of animals and vulnerable neighbours, who can find fireworks extremely distressing, reports My London.
Here are some of the rules and laws you need to be aware of:
You cannot buy 'adult' fireworks if you're under 18, and it's against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions.
Adult fireworks are category 2 and 3 fireworks - they do not include things like party poppers.
Categories of fireworks:
Category one: 'Throwdown fireworks' including firecrackers, bangers and party poppers.
Categories two and three: ‘Adult fireworks’ available in shops.
Category four: Professional display fireworks available from specialist suppliers.
When can you set off fireworks?
You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for:
Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight.
New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am.
Check with your council to find out about any local rules for setting off fireworks.
Buying fireworks
You can only buy fireworks (including sparklers) from registered sellers for private use on these dates:
October 15 to November 10.
December 26 to 31.
3 days before Diwali and Chinese New Year.
At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.
Who can use fireworks?
Anyone over 18 can buy, carry or use category one, two and three fireworks.
Anyone over 16 can only buy, carry or use category one fireworks.
Anyone over 12 can buy Christmas crackers.
Only licensed professionals can buy, carry and use category four fireworks.
Unless part of an organised event by licensed professionals, fireworks cannot be used on the street or in a public place.
It’s an offence to throw or set off any firework (including sparklers and category 1 fireworks) in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space.
Police have issued the following advice: "Used irresponsibly, fireworks can cause damage to property and do significant harm to people and animals. Not only is there a danger from fireworks exploding, they can also pose a serious fire risk as well.
"This is why members of the public may only use fireworks on private property, such as their back gardens, and only licensed professionals can use them in public places. You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90."
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