Why fireworks are important in 2020

It was only a few months ago when the world stopped due to a silent killer, COVID-19 and even now nothing is quite the same. Although, as Desmond Tutu said, “hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness”. That’s exactly what fireworks became world wide: A symbol of hope.

According to EuroNews, millions in India switched off their lights for nine minutes. They lit only candles and set off fireworks which lit up the night sky. A gorgeous way to express resilience during the coronavirus pandemic. In the USA, during 4th of July, fireworks all over were selling out rapidly, communities coming together to celebrate. Even during the UK’s ‘Clap for Carers’ every Thursday, fireworks became a way of celebrating the NHS’s resilience. Fireworks, across the country suddenly became a weekly celebration. Whole streets came out and watched their neighbours fireworks whilst clapping. I would be in my front garden, clapping and eagerly awaiting the fireworks to be set off.

This year, celebrations such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve, will be more important than ever. Whole streets will be able to enjoy a neighbour’s display, people coming together who would never before have spoken. Families who lost out on their annual holiday this year, can instead splash out on some fireworks and spend the whole evening creating displays together. Or maybe even celebrate with their neighbours over fences, with our display bundles. New Year’s Eve in particular, will be about celebrating the new prospects of 2021 and perhaps, an end to this darkness.

In this difficult time, of death and sickness, hope is the most important weapon against darkness. What better way to bring communities together than by celebrating this years accomplishments by watching fireworks dance across the night’s sky?

By connecting with others with such glittering fireworks, whole streets can see and hear from inside their walls, we can reassure ourselves that even through great suffering, there are reasons to be happy.

“May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out”- J. R. R Tolkein