Whether you’re taking part in Halloween, Bonfire Night, or Diwali celebrations this autumn, this year’s festivities will be looking a lot different. We know it can be especially difficult to follow the rules around COVID-19 on days that you’re used to seeing friends and family, but we must all take steps to slow the spread of the virus. Fortunately, there are still lots of ways that you can take part. We’ve put together some top tips on how you can celebrate and stay safe.

Bonfire Night

Remember, remember stay safe in November! Bonfire Night will look very different this year. Here’s how you can keep yourself, your friends and family, and the whole community safe:

• Please do not hold your own displays in public areas as this is unsafe and can also encourage crowds to gather and break the social distancing rules.
• We advise you not to hold displays at home, this can be dangerous and our emergency services are already busier than usual dealing with COVID-19
• Please be aware that our fireworks displays in Morden Park an Wimbledon Park are cancelled for 2020.
• Think of the animals! Don’t hold firework displays at home as they cause unnecessary distress to our furry friends. Find out more about how to keep your pets safe during fireworks.

Whilst our fireworks displays in Morden Park an Wimbledon Park are cancelled for 2020, we very much hope to return in 2021. Join our mailing list to be kept up to date.

Diwali

Although Coronavirus and social distancing means we can’t all gather together to celebrate Diwali as usual this year, you and your household can still celebrate virtually.

The Remembering Diwali online event in Trafalgar Square will take place on Sunday 1 November from 3–7pm. This years event focusses on the theme of compassion, care and gratitude and how even though apart, we are still united in keeping the flame of Diwali well-lit in our hearts and minds.

Find out more about the event on the Diwali in London website.

Halloween

Remember to keep you and your loved ones safe this Halloween by:

• Not going door to door trick or treating with your children
• Not holding parties inside where you mix households
• Not meeting up outside with more than six people
• Wash your hands, cover your face and make space

Instead, why not go pumpkin spotting? Put a pumpkin or a picture of a pumpkin in your window for others to see and go and see how many you can find in your local area (observing social distancing rules of keeping two metres apart). Find some other fun ideas in the list below (click image to enlarge):