Are fireworks fun or is it time for change?

As fireworks are launched into skies around the world to mark the start of 2026, people have been reflecting on their future in the island.

"It just brings people together, they love to watch them, and I think they're just really pretty," Rute Dos Reis said, adding: "If there's a heads up then that's better for everyone."

Ms Dos Reis was among passers-by the BBC spoke to in St Helier, Jersey, about the displays after a survey of about 1,400 people conducted by Statistics Jersey found more than three quarters of adults were opposed to a total ban on fireworks.

It comes as deputies consider a proposal on a public consultation on the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics.

Deputy Max Andrews suggested the minister for justice and home affairs undertake a public consultation by December 2026 and presented the results and recommendations by June 2028.

Andrews said he was concerned about the impact fireworks had on animals.

Dog owner Andy Mohinta said he had "mixed views" on the displays because of the impact on livestock and pets.

He said he did not mind "one or two" events involving fireworks per year and he wanted organisers to provide notice of fireworks.

"If you have livestock and pets and who are easily disturbed or very traumatised with fireworks... people can prepare," he said.

"The better you prepare, no-one's inconvenienced, which is ultimately what we want."

The Statistics Jersey poll suggested 86% of adults surveyed supported requiring organisers to inform residents of displays.

Paul Pinel agreed the displays could be a "bit of an issue" for animal owners.

"I think it'd be a shame to get rid of them completely," he said.

"It'd be great if we could see a compromise somewhere."

Donna Gosselin said she had "grown up with fireworks" but she understood "a lot of people don't like them".

"I think they need to be sold responsibly, not just in little shops," she said.

She said a solution could be adopting drone shows instead: "It's just so precisely done, I think it's wonderful."

Responding to a question about fireworks in the States Assembly, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Mary Le Hegarat told deputies she had concerns about the impact on animals.

She said: "You cannot be in a position where you are going to potentially sedate animals on a regular basis as to the number of firework displays that now are beyond what is 5 November [Guy Fawkes Night]."

The earliest date for a debate on the fireworks consultation is 20 January.

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