Celebrate Bonfire Night without burning through your budget

Recent research from MoneySuperMarket reveals a growing trend - people are swapping nights out for nights in, hosting celebrations at home and saving significant amounts in the process.

This shift isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about creating memorable experiences without the hefty price tag.

According to the recent survey, 75% of UK adults now prefer entertaining at home, with one in five throwing more parties than they did two years ago¹.

Host at Home and Save Big

If you are hosting a fireworks celebration at home, there are plenty of ways to have a sparkling celebration that won’t fizzle out your budget.

For those who prefer to host, teaming up with neighbours to share the cost of fireworks and food can make the night more affordable and enjoyable.

When it comes to food, there’s no need to go overboard.

Simple, warming dishes like slow-cooked chilli or jacket potatoes wrapped in foil are budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Asking guests to bring a dish or drink is another great way to spread the cost.

If you want decorate your garden or driveway, LED lights or solar-powered lanterns are a smart choice. LEDs use significantly less energy than traditional bulbs, and solar lights are free to run – helping to keep energy bills in check.

Stretch Your Budget with SuperSaveClub Rewards

If you are looking to stretch your party budget even further, MoneySuperMarket’s SuperSaveClub offers a powerful toolkit.

Members earn cash rewards, retailer discounts, and cashback when they switch insurance or utilities through the platform. These perks can be reinvested into hosting essentials - from food and drink to decorations and entertainment.

Joining is simple: purchase one of ten qualifying products (including home insurance, broadband, or Credit Monitor) and unlock a year of free days out worth £180, plus gift cards or prepaid Mastercards worth up to £15 with every subsequent purchase².

Protect Your Home While You Celebrate

If you are hosting a fireworks party, it’s essential to follow official safety guidelines and review your home insurance policy before lighting the first sparkler – not only is it safer, but it can save money in the long run.

Fire services across the country report a rise in incidents year-on-year.

In the three days leading up to Bonfire Night in 2023, Scottish Fire and Rescue responded to more than 1,300 fire-related incidents.

That same year, London Fire Brigade saw a 14 per cent rise in emergency calls, while in 2024, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue reported a 125 per cent increase in incidents on Bonfire Night compared to previous years

Kara Gammell
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Check your home insurance cover before setting off fireworks at home

Most standard home insurance policies cover accidental fire damage, but there are important caveats. Claims can be denied if negligence is involved - for example, placing fireworks too close to flammable materials like fences, sheds, or dry foliage, or failing to supervise them properly.

To stay protected, make sure your home and contents insurance are up to date and includes accidental damage related to fireworks or outdoor events.

Some insurers require that fireworks be used in accordance with local laws and safety standards, so ignoring these could invalidate your claim. It’s also wise to keep receipts for any safety equipment purchased, such as fire blankets or extinguishers, as this demonstrates due diligence.

Consider creating a safe launch zone away from buildings, trees, and combustible items, and always have a bucket of water or a hose nearby.

If you’re hosting a larger display, notify your insurer in advance, some policies may require this for events involving guests or higher-risk activities.

And don’t forget to lock up.

Whether you’re heading out to a bonfire or celebrating in your own back garden, the noise and excitement can be a distraction. Take a moment to make sure all doors and windows are locked before the festivities begin - even if you’re just next door. If anything’s stolen without signs of forced entry, your insurance company might not cover it.

Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure your policy protects you when it matters most.

<sup>Sources
1. Research conducted by Censuswide surveying 1,000 Brits in October 2025.
2. Accurate as of November 2025. Terms and Conditions apply.</sup>