First low-noise fireworks display at Oxford South Park
But how quiet are so-called "silent" fireworks?
Oxford Round Table is introducing a low-noise fireworks display for the first time this year. The 57th annual display takes place on Saturday 8 November in South Park, Oxford.
The 9-minute hand fired display is scheduled for 6:30pm, before the main display at 7:15pm.
The quieter display offers an alternative for those who do not like loud bangs, including young children and those with learning difficulties or disabilities.
‘Silent’ fireworks
Low-noise fireworks are sometimes referred to as ‘silent’ fireworks, which the organisers say is misleading.
They are typically between 70-90dB when viewed at a distance, compared to the loud bangs of traditional fireworks which are around 120dB.
Joseph Garbett, Principal Event Director at Oxford Round Table, said: “There is no such thing as a silent firework.”
He added: “There will still be bangs.”
In 2018, a story circulated about an apparent silent firework display in the Italian town of Collecchio, where the local government introduced a new law to limit the noise from fireworks. Readers were left with the impression that the display was virtually noiseless.
Dr Tom Smith, Managing Director at CarnDu Ltd, an explosives consultancy firm, explained that there is a trade-off in visual spectacle when sound is reduced: “Anything that’s going to shoot something up into the air has to have a lift charge to shoot that thing up in the air.”
Dr Smith advises on legal and safety compliance at major international firework displays, and was involved in London’s Millennium celebration.
Due to changes made to the chemical reactions which project low-noise fireworks, they generally do not project as high or burst as widely. Common choices for reduced-noise events include fountains and Catherine wheels, instead of the louder aerial shells.
For this reason low-noise fireworks are unlikely to replace traditional displays. Oxford Round Table has not changed the noise levels of its main display on Saturday.
Impact on pets and animals
The RSPCA is calling for stronger controls on fireworks from the Government, including a reduction of the noise level of all traditional fireworks from 120dB to 90dB.
Low-noise fireworks have been widely supported by pet owners and animal charities to avoid spooking animals.
Dr Smith highlighted that the display in South Park is well-publicised.
He said: “Everybody on those roads around it cannot be unaware that there’s going to be a firework display,” which allows people with pets to take any necessary precautions.
Get involved on Saturday
The organisers at Oxford Round Table encourage attendees of the main show to arrive early for the low-noise display. All tickets include access to both displays.
Student tickets are priced at £9 and must be purchased online before the event.
Oxford Round Table is looking for student volunteers to help out on Sunday morning and welcomes students looking for volunteering opportunities to get in touch at oxford@roundtable.org.uk.