Glastonbury organiser calls for ban on flying lanterns

GLASTONBURY Festival organiser Michael Eavis has called for flying Chinese lanterns to be banned nationwide. The illuminated paper lanterns are not permitted at the festival, but revellers smuggle them in.

Mr Eavis, joining with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said he is worried about the risks the flying lanterns pose to cattle and crops and, during the festival, to people's tents.

He said: "I would like to see them totally banned. I am surrounded by farmers and when Glastonbury Festival takes place, it's sky lanterns they get angry about. For several years now we have banned them being sold at the festival, but people still bring them on site.

"It's an absolute disaster when they let them off, if they were ever to land on a tent they could start a fire that would set off a domino effect, as the tents are pitched so close together."