Villagers demand end to wedding fireworks

Villagers living near three wedding venues are calling for them to stop using fireworks which are frightening their pets.

One resident of South Cave, East Yorkshire, Peter Robinson, said his dog had been killed on the motorway after running away when becoming distressed during a display.

Little Wold Vineyard and The Manor Rooms, which both hold weddings, told the BBC they took necessary precautions when using fireworks. A third venue, Cave Castle, has been approached for comment.

Vanessa Curtis, 56, one of the organisers of a petition, said: "We've got approximately 800 signatures so far. People have had enough of the fireworks. This village belongs to the community, not to the venues."

Robinson, 78, said he was walking his daughter's dog, a corgi, when fireworks began at Cave Castle, less than 100m (330ft) from his house.

"All of a sudden, boom, off they went and the dog slipped off her lead.

"We went after her, naturally, but, when we got there, she had made it on to the motorway and had been run over."

"It was devastating," he said.

Curtis said: "There's been two dogs killed where they've ran away, scared by the fireworks.

"It's dreadful to watch our dogs going crazy, crying, and cowering in the corners whilst fireworks go off on random weeknights."

It is illegal to set off fireworks between 23:00 and 07:00, except on Bonfire Night when the cut-off is 00:00.

The window extends to 01:00 on New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

Residents told BBC Radio Humberside a loud firework display happened at about 22:00 BST on Sunday 26 April.

Irene Hay, 71, said: "The fireworks just seemed to go on forever."

She added: "The noise was just unbelievable. We've got four dogs. Two of them were really struggling. They were panting and shivering uncontrollably. Just terrified."

Sally Heathcoat, 86, said: "Usually if they're having displays in the village for weddings, they do put notices up beforehand on the telephone poles.

"But, what I'm not so keen on, is when fireworks are let off with no warning."

Graham Scott, 69, has lived in the village for more than 40 years.

He said: "When we don't get notice, it causes a problem because we sometimes look after our daughter's dog and he's terrified of them.

"Most of the time, I drive the dog to North Cave or somewhere away from the fireworks to calm him down. It's sad because dogs have even died."

Councillor Richard Meredith, who represents the area on East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said the issue had become "progressively worse" over the years.

"It's great to see the successful businesses, but more events means more fireworks," he said.

"It's definitely divided the community. People are either very for them or very against them."

Little Wolds Vineyard said it hosted seven displays last year and had eight booked so far in 2026.

A spokesperson said: "We share dates and times of these on the relevant Facebook pages ahead of all of them happening so residents have plenty of time to take necessary precautions for any pets or livestock etc that may be upset by them.

"We always have a professional company run these. This also ensures we are fully compliant with rules and regulations."

The Manor Rooms also said it used a professional company, adhered to guidelines and informed local village Facebook groups and residents in advance.

A spokesperson said: "We are mindful of the need to balance celebrations with consideration for the local community and always aim to manage events responsibly."

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: "We work with businesses such as wedding venues to encourage responsible and considerate use of fireworks, and encourage notification to residents in advance.

"We will always investigate complaints and take action where existing laws are being breached."

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