Could this be the last Bonfire Night for noisy fireworks at home?

Bangers, rockets and screamers have long been part of Bonfire Night - but the traditional celebrations might sound a little different next year. The government is currently considering reducing the noise limit for fireworks by 50% for those bought in shops for private use, after pressure from campaigners concerned about the impact on nervous animals and people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Professionally organised displays would continue to have no maximum limit provided the noise level is not harmful to human health. Andy Hubble, of the British Fireworks Association (BFA), said displays had already been getting quieter and a balance must be struck to prevent a black market in noisy fireworks springing up.

The end of October sees the start of several celebrations traditionally marked by fireworks and bonfires, including Halloween on 31 October, Guy Fawkes Night on 5 November, and Diwali, which is on 8 November this year.