This time of year sucks

I used to always dread November 5 because of all those 'don't throw fireworks at people's faces' public information films.

Now I am in London the firework season has expanded.

A few weeks ago it was Ramadan and tonight is Diwali - and so I wasn't (at first) hugely alarmed by the very loud explosions outside (they have been happening for a few days anyway).

I didn't realise there was much of a Hindu population round here. Turns out there probably isn't: when I looked out of the back window I saw a gang of kids running up and down with fireworks and pointing them so they went off towards each other like very colourful guns.

I love the autumn and I like Hallowe'en and every other non-firework-related celebration. But outside of organised official displays I hate fireworks. I really don't understand hy they are still on sale to the general public (and remain so freely available to kids). They contain explosives for goodness sakes.