BONFIRE Night events can be a great chance to “bring together communities” when well-organised and done safely, a charity campaigner has said.
It comes after disorder in Edinburgh that saw three people arrested and charged – with police saying they would be “the first of many”.
Debbie Keenan is part of Brighter East End, a registered charity working in Easterhouse, and is one of the organisers of the group’s Family Fireworks Night, which has been running annually since 2015.
“The event was initially an idea from young people at our youth group to be run as a fundraiser towards a Christmas trip for them,” she explains.
“The following year, we had people asking us if we’d be running another and there seemed to be demand for it – so we organised it again. This time it wasn’t as a fundraiser, we just aimed to put on a great night for families to come along to and enjoy.
“The event brings together families from the local community, giving them a chance to spend time together and catch up. Different groups from the community are involved in the event including the partners from the Blairtummock And Rogerfield partnership – so it also informs local people about the different groups and activities going on in the local community that they could get involved in!”
Keenan, like many organisers and event-goers who attended bonfire celebrations this year, sees Bonfire Night as an opportunity for people to come together in a safe way, particularly where accessible events are scarce.
“Families don’t have to worry about the cost of fireworks, and they can enjoy the night without having to be anxious about the risks of igniting fireworks in their garden or near their home,” she continues.
“One of the biggest attractions we’ve been told about from the community is that it’s cost-effective for them.”
Bonfire Night might be especially challenging for children with additional needs, such as autism and sensory processing issues – but it can also be a great chance to have a fun night out.
To help families prepare so that everyone can have a great time, Angie Fenn, helpline manager at disability charity Contact, said that there are top tips in place.
She says: “Often people with additional needs have different sensory perceptions of the world and they may find it difficult to process the information they receive through their senses, so understanding your child’s sensory profile and your own can help with developing approaches to reduce stress. A simple change of approach can make an enormous difference.
“For example, think about using social stories – short descriptions of a particular situation, event or activity including what to expect in that situation and why – and play YouTube videos of fireworks at gradually louder volumes to slowly help your child understand what will happen on the night.
“Make sure that your child has ear defenders on hand in case the loud noises start to overwhelm them and make sure you have an ‘escape plan’ in place for the children with sensory processing issues so they have somewhere they can go to feel safe.
“You could set up a dark sensory den at home, for example. It might also be worth checking your locally run firework displays in case they use low-noise fireworks.”
To guarantee a fun-filled and safe night, event organisers like Keenan also took into consideration the advice given by public safety authorities to ensure everything runs smoothly.
She said: “We have a huge team of staff and volunteers helping to run the night. Each part of our event is risk assessed and measures are put in place to make it as safe as possible.
“Fireworks are launched from a safe distance away from the spectators and any surrounding buildings, there is a designated area for the use of sparklers. It is an alcohol-free event, and it is very much geared towards families and the local community.
“It is mainly attended by families that we work with week in, week out, and we have a great relationship with them. We’ve never had any issues with misbehaviour or violence at the event.”
