Can you put ashes in fireworks? Yes, and it has become one of the most meaningful ways for families across the UK to celebrate the life of someone they have lost. On this page we explain how scattering ashes in fireworks works, what your options are and what to consider when arranging a firework tribute.
Scattering ashes in fireworks
After a cremation, many families face the question of what to do with their loved one’s ashes. Some choose a traditional scattering at a place of personal significance, others opt for a burial in a garden of remembrance. But a growing number of people across the United Kingdom are choosing something different: turning ashes to fireworks and creating a shared, visible moment that everyone present will remember.
Scattering ashes in fireworks allows a portion of cremation ashes to be placed inside specially prepared fireworks, which are then fired at a time and place that feels right for you. As the fireworks launch and burst in the sky, the ashes are released and dispersed among the colours and effects. It is a way of saying goodbye that brings people together rather than apart, and it gives families the chance to mark the occasion with something genuinely uplifting.
Can you put ashes in fireworks?
This is one of the questions we hear most often, and the answer is yes. Cremation ashes can be safely incorporated into fireworks by a specialist provider. When the firework is fired, the ashes travel upwards with the pyrotechnic charge and are scattered at height as the effects open.
It is worth knowing that you do not need to use all of the ashes. Many families choose to include only a portion in the firework tribute and keep the remainder for a burial, a piece of memorial jewellery, a keepsake urn or another form of remembrance. There is also no time limit on when you can hold a firework tribute. Some families arrange theirs within weeks of the cremation, while others wait for a birthday, anniversary or another date that holds personal meaning.
In the UK, there is no legal restriction on incorporating cremation ashes into fireworks, provided the fireworks themselves are used in accordance with UK firework regulations. This means firing within the permitted hours (before 11pm on most nights, with later cut offs on Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year), on land where you have permission and at the appropriate safety distance stated on the product.
Two ways to scatter ashes in fireworks
At Heavenly Stars Fireworks we offer two distinct options, each suited to different preferences and occasions.
Self-fire tribute fireworks are designed for you to set off yourself at your home, a wake venue or another private location. After placing your order, we incorporate your loved one’s ashes into your chosen fireworks and return them to you with full safety instructions, a personalised tribute label and a certificate confirming the ashes are your loved one’s. Self-fire options range from individual memorial rockets through to the Celebration of Life package, which includes a variety of fireworks for a more extended tribute. This is a popular choice for families who want a smaller gathering in a place that meant something to the person being remembered, and who value the act of lighting the fireworks themselves.
Professional ashes firework displays are organised, set up and fired entirely by our qualified display team. These shows can be tailored to reflect the personality of the person you are celebrating, with options for colour selection, choice of effects and, on selected packages, choreography to a piece of music. A professional display is particularly suited to larger gatherings or when you would prefer to leave the logistics to us and simply be present for the moment. Our team handles the site visit, risk assessment, set up, firing and clean up.
When and where can ashes fireworks be fired?
Self-fire ashes fireworks can be set off at any suitable private location where you have the landowner’s permission and enough open space to maintain the safety distances specified on the product label. Most of our self-fire products require a minimum of 25 metres between the firework and spectators, and you will also need a clear fallout area. Your own garden can work, provided it is large enough, and many families choose a favourite beach, a field or a family member’s property.
For professionally fired displays, our team will carry out a site survey before the event to confirm that the location is suitable and to plan the safest layout. We regularly fire displays at private land, estates and venues across the UK.
In all cases, UK law requires that consumer fireworks are not set off between 11pm and 7am on most nights. Extended hours apply on certain dates: midnight on Bonfire Night, and 1am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year. We can advise on all of this when you get in touch.
Arranging a firework tribute
If you are considering scattering ashes in fireworks and would like to discuss your options, our team are here to help. Whether you already know what you would like or you are exploring the idea for the first time, we are happy to talk it through and answer any questions you might have.
Call us on 01206 710777, email sales@heavenlystarsfireworks.com or complete our contact form. You can also find detailed answers to specific questions on our FAQ page.
