Sky Lanterns

[Glassman]

Saw many of these in Thailand, but this year, for the first time I saw about half a dozen being released here in North London / Herts.

Got a bit freaked out a first - until I realised it was a flying paper lantern... anyone here make any?

[RobM77]

Probably the most beautiful way of spreading litter everywhere Unless they're designed so instead of burning out they burn the paper and cremate themselves?

Amazon do them for a reasonable price if you want to buy any

[Disco_Dale]

Just before xmas me and the missus were walking to a friends house about 8pm and we saw 3 drift by at about a couple of hundred ft up.
One even burned out with a visible flicker from the candle(?)

I guess most decent sized towns have a Chinese store, they'd probably do them or at least know where to get them.

[Shay HTFC]

I dunno, but I remember a while back seeing a massive firework at a public display. It was about 10m tall or something crazy and after it shot in the air, loads of parachutes came floating back down to the earth.

Those lanterns could cause some funny problems.... "M3 in chaos after 200 lantern like objects smother the West bound carriageway"

[mat205125]

Where would mr plod stand with you setting these flying in an urban area out of interest ... look really cool.

[kit80]

My mum got some slightly smaller ones of those for Christmas, haven't used them yet, get 15 mins of flying time, and for the life me cant remember which website was from, but if anyone wants me to find out I will.



Reason for Edit: I remembered the website http://www.iwantone.com/ just search lantern. 9.99.

Edited by kit80 on Saturday 3rd January 01:17

Edited by kit80 on Saturday 3rd January 01:17

[wiffmaster]

We saw about 100 of these go up a few nights ago now (also North London/Herts area so probably the same ones you saw). Mum had never seen them before so called me outside to have a look - must say they were very pretty, but I wonder how many UFO reports were filed that night!

[Duane Pipe]

http://www.glo-lantern.co.uk/

got some off the relatives for xmas and set them off at 12am on NYE.

Bloody hell they're good - cold clear night, they were visible for about 10 minutes as they went up!

[jeff m]

Not sure how popular these would be in California during a dry spell.

[SS HSV]

Shay HTFC said:

I dunno, but I remember a while back seeing a massive firework at a public display. It was about 10m tall or something crazy and after it shot in the air, loads of parachutes came floating back down to the earth.

Those lanterns could cause some funny problems.... "M3 in chaos after 200 lantern like objects smother the West bound carriageway"

lantern shop said:

Preparation

Always keep water or fire extinguishers nearby.
Children in the launch area must be kept under supervision at all times.
No persons under the influence of alcohol should be involved in the handling or igniting of the lanterns.
Ensure that the wind is not stronger than 5 mph.
Unpack lanterns in a safe environment, away from any sources of ignition.
Take care not to tear the delicate paper.
Never use near roads, dry standing crops, or in places where they may be misinterpreted as a distress signal.
Remember that each lantern is quite large, is a potential fire hazard, and has to land somewhere.
It is the responsibilityof the firer to use the product safely.
Do not release within 5 miles of an airport.
Ensure that trees or power lines are not in the flight path.
Ensure that the flight path is clear and lanterns will not drift into buildings.

Safety

Quite a few there. being as I am at the end of Heathrows R27 maybe I should buy a few as an excuse not to go to work

[Freezing Ferg]

We sent some up at 12 on NYE.
SO much less Chav than fireworks...