9 things you probably didn't know about fireworks
It's Guy Fawkes day!
To celebrate Guy Fawkes night, we have found 10 interesting facts you probably didn’t know about fireworks!
- Fireworks were discovered by accident, a Chinese cook mixed together some charcoal, sulphur and saltpeter (Potassium Nitrate). He put his mixture in some bamboo and threw it on a fire.
- 90% of fireworks are made in China.
- Marco Polo is believed to have brought the fireworks from China to Europe.
- The first recorded fireworks in England were in 1486 for King Henry VII's wedding.
- The different firework colours come from different elements.
- The Walt Disney Company use the most fireworks in the world.
- Fireworks can travel with speeds up to 150mph, that's as fast as a small plane.
- Until 1959 it was actually illegal NOT to celebrate Guy Fawkes night.
- In the UK it is illegal to set off fireworks after 11pm unless it is one of these special occasions: Guy Fawkes night (midnight), New Year, Chinese New Year and Diwali (1am).
Whatever you are doing this Bonfire night, remember to stay safe!