PTSD UK Fireworks Impact Report 2025

This research simply couldn’t have happened without the powerful voices of our community. Over 260 people generously shared their lived experiences to help us highlight an issue that has, for too long, gone unseen and unheard. To everyone who took the time to take part — thank you. Your openness, honesty, and courage are helping to create change.

Why this report matters

For many people, fireworks are a moment of joy. But for those affected by trauma, they can trigger flashbacks, panic attacks, and days of heightened distress.
Until now, there’s been no formal UK research into how fireworks impact people with PTSD and C-PTSD. This report fills that gap — providing both hard data and human stories that show just how serious and long-lasting these effects can be.

Some of the key findings include:

• Unpredictability is the biggest issue – over 90% of respondents said random fireworks are far harder to cope with than organised displays.

• Fireworks cause lasting distress – for many, symptoms like hypervigilance, sleep disruption, and panic can last days or even weeks.

• Many need medical or therapeutic help after fireworks season.

• Respondents overwhelmingly support change, calling for improved regulation, public awareness, and advance-warning systems.

The report highlights what we hear every year — that fireworks aren’t just a brief inconvenience. For many, they shatter peace, safety, and mental wellbeing.

A united effort for meaningful change

This report isn’t the end — it’s the foundation for what comes next.
PTSD UK is proud to work alongside other national organisations as part of the Fireworks Impact Coalition, including:

Dogs Trust • RSPCA • Cats Protection • Blue Cross • Battersea • British Veterinary Association • Assistance Dogs UK • Service Dogs UK • Redwings Horse Sanctuary • The British Horse Society • Dan’s Fund for Burns • Children’s Burns Trust • British Burn Association • Combat Stress • Help for Heroes • Bravehound • Royal Zoological Society of Scotland • The Kennel Club

Together, we’re using our collective expertise and evidence to push for compassionate, trauma-informed change — balancing celebration with safety for people, animals, and the environment alike.

In November 2025, representatives from the Fireworks Impact Coalition will once again attend Parliament, presenting findings from this report and others like it to help guide future policy discussions on firework use, safety, and public awareness.

Turning evidence into impact

The goal of this work isn’t to end fireworks altogether — it’s to make them safer, more predictable, and more considerate. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we hope to inspire legislation and community initiatives that protect those who are most affected.

This report demonstrates the real-world impact of trauma triggers, the urgent need for awareness, and the power of collective voices.

To everyone who contributed — whether by completing our survey, sharing your story, or supporting PTSD UK — you are helping to make a lasting difference. Because together, we can make every celebration safer — for everyone.