29 September 2026

Why low noise works for animals, people and business!

With Lauren Dodman, Head of Visitor Experience at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Suffolk.

Jimmy’s Farm is home to more than 100 species of animals, birds and insects, many of them exotic, rare or sensitive. The welfare of all the individuals in our care is always the priority and every decision we make, everything we do or don’t do, starts with them. Our founder, Jimmy Doherty, has ensured that approach is the DNA of our ethos.
Our low-noise fireworks display is a key part of our calendar now. There was a great deal of thought and planning behind our first display and we did lots of research and started small to ensure we were minimising and managing any risk to our residents, the local wildlife and our neighbours. There are often a lot of fireworks in this area around Bonfire Night and we wanted to give people an alternative way to celebrate with less impact on animals and wildlife.

We know that many of the families who love visiting us also include young children, people with additional needs or elderly relatives who struggle with louder fireworks too and wanted to create a more inclusive event for everyone. We weren’t quite sure how much take up there would be but have been blown away by how popular our low-noise fireworks evenings have been and the event sells out every year!

We work with a great professional firework company who really understand that our residents’ welfare has to be accounted for in every moment of the display they put on. Our animal care teams are stationed all around the park while the fireworks are going off and if anyone notices an animal showing any sign of distress, they would alert us and the display would be stopped immediately. We’ve never had to make that call so far, but it’s essential the system is in place.

Silent fireworks don’t exist but we work with products that create no more than a pop, crackle or thud while still creating a mesmerising visual experience. I was really surprised when I saw how high and impressive fireworks can be without the loud bang. I don’t feel like I’m missing out at all compared to a louder display! There is a soundtrack to the display and I love that additional element as you can see people swaying in time to the music or singing along with their children while they gaze up at the visual effects.

The bottom line is that our events have to work financially too of course. We are a business that has stay viable in order to care for so many animals with diverse physical and psychological needs. The success of our low bang fireworks demonstrates that there is a definite market for a more visual, inclusive and considerate approach to Bonfire Night. As more people become aware of the awful impact loud fireworks can have on animals and the joy that a quieter show can bring, I think this market will only keep growing!

Jimmy’s Farm won Visit England’s Best Large Attraction award in 2026 and has been recognised for contributing to wildlife and rare breed conservation, inclusivity and visitor experience.

Find out more at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park