Lantern fest organisers determined to Shine Up
Two festivals have been cancelled but more may be held
ORGANISERS of a series of mass lantern releases have cancelled one event after locals’ complaints — but intend to hold “a lot of them” in the near future.
The Shine Up festival at the Kent Event Centre near Maidstone on 9 September was cancelled after more than 2,000 people signed a petition against it.
But organisers insist the event is safe.
“The reaction of misinformed residents made it impossible to put the event on,” a Shine Up spokesman told H&H. “We didn’t have the time or opportunity to talk to people or give them the information we gave the venues.”
The spokesman said the lanterns are biodegradable, made of bamboo, paper and string, and designed to fly short distances.
He added that weather is monitored, “landing zones accurately predicted” and people employed to pick up debris, and other litter, at first light.
But Lisa Tolliss, a Kent-based member of campaign group Hope for Horses UK, was not convinced. “It’s just dangerous,” she told
H&H. “To horses, wildlife and there’s the fire risk.
“I don’t think there are tethered horses in the immediate vicinity but if the lanterns went further afield, tethered horses wouldn’t be able to get away. And what about horses with rugs on?
“I’m still concerned as I think they will just find other locations.”
Another event due to be held near Potters Bar, Herts, on 30 September has also been cancelled by the venue, its owners and the local council told H&H, although the Shine Up spokesman said he was not aware of this.
“We’re not sure how many events we’ll do but over the next two to three years, we’ll do a lot,” he added.
Rosemary Lunn, a leading figure in scuba diving who has campaigned against balloon and lantern releases, said: “It’s trying to get the message across: this is socially and environmentally irresponsible. The lanterns may be biodegradable but they can still entangle and kill animals.”
The British Horse Society (BHS) has received 21 reports over the past six years of incidents involving Chinese lanterns.
“Sadly there have been three horse fatalities and six injured,” said BHS safety director Alan Hiscox. “There is no way to control where they go and land.
“Our advice to horse owners is to be vigilant. Check fields and hedgerows for these lanterns. We urge all horse owners to report any incidents involving Chinese lanterns to bhs.org.uk/safety-andaccidents.”