Has Bonfire Night basically “fizzled out” now? Well, according to a new survey, that could very well be the case.
And that’s because 78% of the UK public apparently want fireworks banned for good.
An annual event in the UK’s seasonal calendar, Bonfire Night is loved for its spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that come along with it, but to say it’s ‘loved’ by everyone doesn’t paint the truest picture.
A recent analysis by finance experts, RIFT, has revealed that just 14% of Brits plan to attend a public firework display this year, and with the average cost for such organised events said to come in at £444 per minute, 87% of us believe the money could be better spent elsewhere.
A new survey has revealed that 78% of Brits want fireworks banned / Credit: Unsplash
If the survey’s findings are anything to go by, it looks like our Council’s decision is largely-supported by the nation too.
While the UK public-commissioned survey found that as little as 14% plan to attend a public firework display this year, the key objection to this actually isn’t cost related, as 38% stated it was due to the fact fireworks scare pets, and therefore just don’t agree with them overall, while a further 20% don’t agree with the wider environmental impacts they have.
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When it does comes to cost, though, because industry data shows that on average, a 20-minute public firework display costs an eye-watering £10,000, 86% of the public don’t believe is good value for money.
In fact, 87% of those surveyed believe the money could be far better spent elsewhere – particularly in the current economic climate.
Only 14% plan to attend a public firework display this year / Credit: Alex Jones (via Unsplash)
Despite this, just a third (33%) would like to see public firework displays banned completely,
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As far as the private sale of fireworks is concerned, as it stands in the UK, you can only purchase fireworks legally between 15 October and 10 November, on 26-31 December, and in the three days leading up to Diwali or Chinese New Year.
But 78% of those surveyed would like to see this scrapped completely, and essentially want a ban on firework sales all year round.
What’s your take then? Should we scrap fireworks for good? Or keep the fire burning?
Featured Image – Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
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Oasis and adidas drop yet more new merch in the Live ’25 collection
Danny Jones
The Oasis and adidas love affair isn’t over just yet; it isn’t going anywhere, as the legendary Manc band group and global sports apparel franchise are releasing another batch of merch as part of the smash-hit Live ’25 collection.
After shirts, shoes, jackets and bucket hats galore sold out all over the world, adidas is now toasting not only the end of the reunion world tour but “the year that was Oasis” with a second drop in the already iconic crossover.
If you passed through Manchester at all during their Heaton Park homecoming run, you will have no doubt seen countless examples of the ‘adidas Originals x Oasis’ football shirt collaboration alone, not to mention several other bits of fashion in the official Live ’25 fashion line.
Now, just in time for Christmas, there’s a whole new set being introduced into the range of casual wear.
Simply titled ‘Oasis Live ‘25 Drop 2’, the latest additions to the adidas Originals collection are releasing next month and, obviously, will be sold in stores and online.
While the pop-up stores that opened up here in the city centre all over have now shut up shop, Greater Manchester’s adidas locations on Market Street – which turned into an Oasis fan paradise this past summer – and Pear Mill in Stockport will still be stocking the various bits of Britpop clobber.
Although the most recent items will be exclusively available domestically for now, they will be rolled out overseas in 2026.
Considering how quickly most of it sold out last time, you can guarantee most of the options to fly off the shelves just as fast here in the UK.
Honestly, we’ve only just managed to get our hands on the standard black ‘jacquard jersey’.
As you can see, a good chunk of the second drop is that same footy shirt in different colours and other tees in different lengths/variations.
Scheduled to launch on Friday, 12 December, the ‘Oasis x adidas Originals Live ‘25 Drop 2’ will go on sale at 9am sharpish, so you’d best get ready for a scrap in that digital queue.
Naturally, fans, fashionistas and collectors can expect virtually identical costs for the majority of pieces (and buying in-person will obviously help keep the cost down), though it does look like some price points have been adjusted.
As for the Live ’25 tour itself, now that the dust has settled on the ‘Oasis Mania‘ take two, Liam himself has taken to social media to express his gratitude in the most Gallagher way possible…
Super League ‘Rivals Round’ fixtures confirmed, with two big North West clashes
Danny Jones
The Betfred Super League (BSL) ‘Rivals Round’ games for 2026 have been confirmed, with two big regional clashes coming in time for the spring.
Returning for 2026, the annual meeting of multiple teams coming up against their fiercest and most historic rivals will land on round seven of the calendar over the traditional Easter weekend.
Despite the competition having sadly lost Salford Red Devils following their forced relegation, local rugby fans will still be glad to see the borough of Wigan, as well as neighbouring Cheshire and nearby Merseyside clubs, coming up against each other in what is a highly anticipated fixture on the calendar.
Announcing the now fully confirmed matches this week, the total of seven matches are set to be played between Friday, 3 April and the following Sunday, 5 April.
In the Super League’s own words, there are few gameweeks more box office than the Rivals Round – “where the games mean more, hit harder and have the ability to divide towns and families.”
After the inaugural edition of the modern round in 2021, this year saw the division record a best-ever attendance of 86,080 across a six-match period, and with an extra game being played next season, we’re expecting more ground to be broken.
“The most intense and historic rivalries will go head-to-head with huge crowds anticipated, emotions running high and everyone expected to bring their A game”, say the BSL.
Huddersfield Giants v York Knights – Saturday, 4 April
Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity – Sunday, 5 April
One of the most notable exclusions among the slate, of course, is that of Salford Red Devils, as various players and staff members continue to leave the club during this increasingly concerning and deep period of uncertainty.
Salford supporters have given a clear response following the decisive drop in IMG gradings:
Although they are now longer in rugby league’s premier domestic tier, Salford are still expected to take part in the Challenge Cup tournament, which begins in January.
Betfred and the RFL revealed the most recent ties on Monday, 24 November, with the Devils due to face either Royal Navy Rugby or Hammersmith Hills Hoists in the second round.
Meanwhile, with the new campaign kicking off in February, rugby fans will only have to wait a couple of months to witness the upcoming instalments in the various rivalries.
Safe to say it’s going to be a spicy Easter break.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd November 2023 
