The typical back garden in the UK is great for either a bonfire, or for fireworks, but quite often not both at the same time. The reason is that both your bonfire and your fireworks need space around them.
Once you have situated your fireworks at a safe distance – which is usually the bottom of the garden – there’s not really anywhere for the bonfire to go, except between the fireworks and the spectators.
This would make having a bonfire before the fireworks display very dangerous, as embers from the fire might set fire to some of your pyro. It would also make having a bonfire during the display hazardous, from smoke, embers and potentially blocking off an escape route for you if you’re hand firing. And the smoke might also obscure some of the display.
In cases like this, if you really must have a bonfire, our recommendation is to light it after your display so that the fireworks are no longer at risk and you can relax a little knowing there is no longer any live pyro on site. This will also enable you to situate the bonfire a little closer to the fireworks, since it won’t be lit until all the fireworks have fired.
If you have a bigger garden at your disposal, our recommendation is still to have your bonfire after your display as it’s simply safer this way. But, if you must have the fire first, ensure both space and wind direction is taken into account.
In any case, for back garden bonfires we also suggest you consider an incinerator or chiminea, as it helps to contain the fire, is easier to control and is no less atmospheric once you’re all gathered around it.