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Bonfire Night guide: staying warm, ear protection and managing anxiety
Written byLiz Connor
Reviewed byHeeral Patel
Wrap up in confidence with our tips and hacks for a snug, safe and stress-free Bonfire Night – from staying warm and relaxed to supporting anxiety
Summary
1How to beat the chill
"Sip something toasty: a warm drink not only fights the cold but keeps you hydrated..."
2Ease noise-related anxiety
“Bonfire Night and its endless firework explosions can be hard on anyone who’s sensitive to noise...”
3Protect your hearing
“Fireworks can reach volumes of up to 150 decibels, which is well above the threshold for...”
Bonfire Night is nearly here, and whether you’re heading out to a dazzling firework display or planning a low-key evening at home, a little preparation goes a long way.
From keeping little ones safe around fireworks to helping anxious pets ride out the bangs, these simple tips will ensure your fireworks celebrations stay fun, cosy and worry-free.
How to stay warm if you’re watching a fireworks display
Standing out in the dark, clutching a toffee apple and saying a few hundred ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ at the fireworks is all part of the Bonfire Night fun. But with November evenings averaging chilly temperatures of 4-6°C in the UK, you’ll want to bundle up before you bundle out.
Here are some tips for beating the chill
Sip something toasty: a warm drink not only fights the cold but keeps you hydrated, which is key when the temperature drops. Pack a thermos of decaf tea or your favourite herbal infusion, like Twinings Immunity Superblend.
Master the art of layering: dressing well can keep the shivers at bay. Start close to the skin with heat-tech underlayers and thermal socks, adding insulating mid-layers like wool jumpers or fleeces over the top. Finish with a windproof, water-resistant coat and don’t forget hats, scarves and gloves to lock in heat where you lose it fastest.
Fuel up with hot food: toffee apples are a Bonfire Night staple, but if you’re heading to an outdoor display, don’t skip the hot food stands. Soups, stews and casseroles can all keep you warm in the cold, while H&B’s Berry Bites with Benefits are perfect for a mid-fireworks sweet treat.
Waterproof your feet: it goes without saying that cold, wet feet will ruin even the best of evenings. Opt for waterproof boots or well-sealed trainers, teaming them with thick, moisture-wicking socks.
Skip the alcohol: did you know that beer and wine dilate blood vessels,1 making it harder to stay warm? Stick to non-alcoholic drinks, like H&B Glow Kombucha and save the boozy tipples for when you’re back indoors.
How to ease seasonal noise-related anxiety
Bonfire Night and its endless firework explosions can be hard on anyone who’s sensitive to noise.
If you’re staying home, try giving little ones noise-cancelling headphones or some ear defenders, and let them watch a comforting film so the noises don’t feel as loud.
As for nervous pets, pick a quiet room, put down their bed or a familiar blanket and play some calming classical soft music to cover the bangs. You can add an extra layer of comfort by spritzing a pet-calming spray onto their bedding to help them feel safe until the fireworks end.
How to protect your hearing during fireworks
Fireworks can reach volumes of up to 150 decibels,2 which is well above the threshold for potential hearing damage.
Over-ear defenders are your best bet for small children, which come in all sorts of bright, kid-friendly colours. Look for ones with an SNR (single number rating) of 20 or above for good protection.
For adults and teens, high-fidelity earplugs like Loop can soften the intensity of noises without losing the atmosphere, with some models reducing sound by up to 18 decibels.
Experts also recommend standing at least 15 to 20 metres back from where the fireworks are being launched, not just to keep little ones safe, but because sound pressure levels drop significantly the further you are from the source.
Looking after your mental health this November
Bonfire Night lands during a season that can feel pretty overwhelming, with its shorter days, busier schedules and the looming pressure of Christmas. Not to mention all the colds and flu doing the rounds…
When it comes to mental health, small changes can add up to a big difference – and easy, actionable lifestyle tweaks can set us up for a calmer month.
Don’t neglect the basics: it might sound silly, but when we’re overwhelmed and busy, we can forget the basics – and becoming even slightly dehydrated3 can have a surprising impact on mental health, spiking anxiety, tiredness and irritability.
As well as drinking the NHS4 recommended six to eight glasses of water per day, a diet rich in protein5 has been found to support mental health best, so keep plenty of protein-rich trail mix in the cupboard for snacking.
Add a calming supplement: a couple of vitamins to include might be vitamin B complex6 and magnesium,6 which both play a role in nervous system management.
Take deep breaths: sometimes the simplest things are the most effective, and this is definitely the case with taking some big deep breaths. Deep breathing floods our systems with feel-good endorphins,7 tricking our brains into making us feel instantly more zen. So when things get hectic, take a moment to inhale and reset.
4 grounding rituals to make Bonfire Night more enjoyable
If you’re feeling anxious, don’t underestimate the power of small acts of self-care. It doesn’t have to mean fancy facials or pricey spa trips either – self-care, by definition, is anything that helps you feel more grounded, calm and connected…
Run a hot bath: the best bubble bath won't solve all your problems, but it might help you forget about them for the night. Make yours extra soothing with a sprinkle of Westlab’s Epsom Salts and a glug of I Love Wellness’s Calm bath soak.
Try mindful journaling: one of the best ways to feel centred is by putting pen to paper and writing without judgment or agenda. Much like observing thoughts during meditation, journaling your inner monologue can help you acknowledge emotions and gently let the tough stuff go.
Crack a calming drink: most of us have experienced how alcohol can interfere with our sleep and mood. If you're after something a little gentler, try swapping your evening tipple for a non-alcoholic option like Trip CBD-infused drinks.
Slather on a face mask: you don’t have to spend a fortune to find skincare that feels extra special. This one from Sea Magick contains pure mud from the Dead Sea and activated charcoal to leave skin feeling clean and glowing.
The final say
Thanks to social media, Bonfire Night can come with lots of big expectations, but there’s no ‘right’ way to spend it.
Whether you’re all in for the fireworks and festivities or you’d rather hunker down with a blanket and recharge, the best plan is the one that feels good to you. Want to understand the answer to the question: why am I always tired in autumn? Take a look at how to fight fatigue with light, sleep and hygge.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Hwang C, Piano MR, Phillips SA. The effects of alcohol consumption on flow‐mediated dilation in humans: A systematic review. Physiological Reports. 2021 May;9(10).
2. Noise Testing of Fireworks Final report [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1133630/noise-testing-of-fireworks.pdf
3. Haghighatdoost F, Feizi A, Esmaillzadeh A, Rashidi-Pourfard N, Keshteli AH, Roohafza H, et al. Drinking plain water is associated with decreased risk of depression and anxiety in adults: Results from a large cross-sectional study. World Journal of Psychiatry [Internet]. 2018 Sep 20;8(3):88–96. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6147771/pdf/WJP-8-88.pdf
4. NHS. Water, Drinks and Your Health [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/
5. Soveid N, Barkhidarian B, Samadi M, Hatami M, Gholami F, Yekaninejad MS, et al. Animal and plant protein intake association with mental health, tryptophan metabolites pathways, and gut microbiota in healthy women: a cross-sectional study. BMC Microbiology. 2024 Oct 7;24(1).
6. Noah L, Dye L, Bois De Fer B, Mazur A, Pickering G, Pouteau E. Effect of magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation on mental health and quality of life in stressed healthy adults: Post‐hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial. Stress and Health. 2021 May 6;37(5).
7. Tavoian D, Craighead DH. Deep breathing exercise at work: Potential applications and impact. Frontiers in Physiology [Internet]. 2023 Jan 12;14(1040091). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9877284/
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