Flying Lanterns
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Sky lanterns are a longer-lasting and safer alternative to fireworks. When they are released, sky lanterns can rise to over 1,000 feet high and be taken along on a breeze for miles. After they have been lit, our flying lanterns fill with hot air within 30 seconds and are then ready to be released. We have three styles of sky lanterns, each gracefully designed to be safe and provide an exciting display of colour and light when released. All of our flying lanterns are manufactured from non-flammable, biodegradable paper to make them safe and environmentally friendly. Sky lanterns have been traditionally released during celebrations and festivals. Many Asian cultures in particular, believe that releasing a wish lantern brings good luck because it symbolises the release of your worries and problems. In the UK, flying Lanterns are commonly used to add outdoor lighting and excitement to summer parties, barbecues, weddings and other events. The glow of the sky lantern's candle can be seen floating far across the sky for up to 20 minutes, and will normally cover a distance of several miles. Sky lanterns gently float back down to earth as the air inside the lantern cools down. We currently stock coloured sky lanterns, heart-shaped flying lanterns which make perfect Valentine's Day presents, and white sky lanterns. For safety guidance notes, please scroll down.
Two of the chief advantages of using sky lanterns over fireworks is that they are much cheaper and safer to use. While all of our sky lanterns come with full instructions and safety guidance, there are a few simple guidelines you can follow to make sure you can enjoy them safely. Familiarise yourself with the instructions that come with your lanterns before lighting and launching them. Please refer to the release instructions for more information. Do not launch your lanterns when wind conditions make lighting the lantern difficult. As a guide, do not launch your lanterns when the wind speed is greater than 5 mph. To determine whether the wind speed is safe, please consult a reliable weather website such as the Met Office website. Launching a lantern in strong winds or launching a damaged lantern may cause it to land prematurely and result in a fire at the point of landing.When unpacking your lanterns, do so away from the source of ignition. Never handle or try to light the lanterns while smoking or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.Make sure that the source of ignition is appropriately handled at all times and kept out of the reach of children.Check the wind direction before releasing your lanterns. Obstacles such as buildings and trees must be at least 30 metres away from the lanterns' direct flight path. Do not release sky lanterns within a five mile radius of an operational airport or landing strip, or within two miles of a major road or motorway. Do not release the lanterns in an area where the glow could be confused as a distress signal. All flying lanterns should be stored in a dry, secure place, away from children. Children should be kept under strict supervision, away from the source of ignition for the lantern candles. If using a naked flame as the the source of ignition, ensure you have water and / or fire extinguishers nearby. Do not light and release the lanterns when wearing flammable clothing. This will ensure that the flame from the wick of the candle does not ignite your clothing. For additional safety, protective gloves can be worn. While it is obviously very important to follow safety guidelines at all times when handling lanterns, it is also important to remember that sky lanterns are, above all, a very safe and enjoyable way to mark any occasion.
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