The organizers of upcoming lantern festivals in Birmingham and London have refuted claims that the events are a scam. A trading standards investigation was launched after concerns were raised by ticket holders due to the lack of confirmed event locations.
Birmingham City Council stated that the release of lanterns on council-owned land is prohibited due to fire hazards and potential environmental harm. However, a spokesperson for Lantern Festival UK assured the public that the event is “carefully planned” and will take place on private land.
The festival, promoted as the “UK’s first-ever lantern festival,” features the release of hundreds of lanterns into the night sky, followed by a fireworks display. The event’s pre-sale registration page reportedly attracted over 46,000 sign-ups to be notified when tickets became available. Ticket prices start at £35 for individuals, £50 for two people, and £75 for a group of four.
Despite this, some customers have expressed concerns. Keira Guise, who purchased two tickets for £50, told the BBC she feared she would not receive a refund.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute commented on Wednesday, stating that the event displayed “all the hallmarks of something that isn’t as legitimate as it claims to be.”
In response to these allegations, Lantern Festival UK stated, “We understand the public’s heightened awareness of event promotion, particularly following the disastrous Wonka experience in Glasgow that was widely reported recently. However, our events and theirs are fundamentally different.”
The organizers added that various locations have been selected to ensure a “safe and environmentally friendly event for all,” with larger venues being arranged due to the high demand for tickets.
The use of sky lanterns has been banned on council-owned land in Birmingham since one was found to have caused a massive fire at a waste site in Smethwick, which involved 200 firefighters and 100,000 tonnes of plastic waste. Three firefighters required hospital treatment following the incident.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the RSPCA have both voiced opposition to the use of sky lanterns. A spokesperson for the NFCC stated, “Sky lanterns have been proven to start wildfires and property fires, and can kill or injure livestock. Our advice is simple—don’t use them.”
Lantern Festival UK has announced that details for the Birmingham venue will be released soon. Additionally, customers are entitled to a full refund if they return their tickets within 14 days of purchase.
The festival is scheduled to take place in Birmingham on June 1 and July 13, and in London on May 26 and June 8.