Grant for Fireworks-Free Celebrations in Voorne aan Zee
Associations, foundations, and business owners in Voorne aan Zee who wish to organize a fireworks-free celebration for their village or neighborhood during New Year’s Eve can apply for a grant by November 30. A maximum of €5,000 is available per activity. In this way, the municipality aims to encourage people to celebrate together in their own neighborhoods. Setting off fireworks will no longer be part of that celebration starting this year. As of August 1, 2026, setting off consumer fireworks has been banned throughout the Netherlands. Like the other mayors in the region, the mayor of Voorne aan Zee will not be granting any exemptions for the upcoming New Year’s celebrations.
Mayor Scheepers: “For many people, setting off fireworks is part of New Year’s Eve. I, too, find it unfortunate that, due to the significant disturbances in recent years, fireworks can no longer be set off. At the same time, of course, a New Year’s Eve without fireworks doesn’t have to be boring. Counting down together in the village square, streets filled with lights, and neighbors wishing each other a Happy New Year and raising a glass together: I’m really curious to see what new traditions will emerge in our villages and neighborhoods!'
Grant for Celebrating Together Without Fireworks
The municipality is allocating €50,000 for activities on December 31 and January 1 that bring people together. These are initiatives organized by the villages and neighborhoods themselves. Examples include a group countdown in the village square, a neighborhood party, a light-up tour along decorated facades, a silent disco for young people, or an early countdown for the youngest children.
Activities must be fireworks-free, accessible to everyone, and suited to the character of the village. A plan that has the potential to become a new tradition will be given preference. A municipal project group evaluates the applications based on quality. Alderman events Els Priester: “Who knows better what suits a village or neighborhood than the people who live there? If you have an idea—big or small—go ahead and organize it! It doesn’t have to be complicated. We’re happy to help you get started, with a grant and early advice from our Events Desk—from planning to obtaining a permit. Don’t wait too long, because applications are accepted through November 30.'
Where can residents go for help?
The “ Requirements ” and the application form are available on our website at www.voorneaanzee.nl/subsidie-van-oud-naar-nieuw. Applications for the subsidy can be submitted from October 1 through November 30, 2026. You may also need to apply for an event permit. To do so, please contact our Events Desk at evenementen@voorneaanzee.nl or visit our website.
Nationwide Ban on Fireworks
Starting August 1, 2026, it will be prohibited to possess, purchase, or set off fireworks in categories F2 and F3. This includes consumer fireworks—such as decorative fireworks and standard firecrackers—that were previously available for purchase in December. Only F1 fireworks will still be permitted, such as sparklers, firecracker pellets, and firecracker candies. The Dutch Fireworks Association ( rijksoverheid ) is organizing drop-off days where people can turn in their fireworks. This also applies to fireworks that were already banned before August 1, 2026. For more information, visit: www.leverjevuurwerkin.nl.
No exemptions in Voorne aan Zee
The law allows mayors to grant an exception before New Year’s Eve. Voorne aan Zee will not be doing so this year. The municipality covers a large area with many villages and rural areas. As a result, it is not possible to organize surveillance in enough places at once during New Year’s Eve. The decision is valid for one year. The municipality will reassess the situation for the following New Year’s Eve.