Sky lanterns and balloon releases

Sky lanterns and helium balloons must not be released from council-owned land.

Why they are not allowed

Sky lanterns and balloons can cause harm to people, animals and the environment. They must not be released from council-owned land.

Harm to animals

Animals and birds can:

• eat parts of fallen lanterns or balloons
• become tangled in wires, frames, strings or ribbons
• suffer injury, distress or starvation

Fire risk

Sky lanterns contain an open flame. They can start fires if they land on:

• buildings
• dry grass
• crops
• woodland
• hay or straw
• moorland

Litter

Lanterns and balloons become litter when they fall back to land or into water.

Risk to aircraft

Lanterns and balloons can create hazards for aircraft and distract pilots.

False emergency call-outs

Sky lanterns can be mistaken for distress flares. This can lead to unnecessary call-outs for emergency services.

Safer alternatives

Consider safer options, such as:

• kites
• lanterns displayed on the ground or hung in trees
• candlelit vigils
• sharing poems, memories and messages

These options do not create litter or harm wildlife.

Advice and Guidance

Large balloon releases can affect air traffic. Find guidance on the Civil Aviation Authority website.

If you plan to release balloons on private land, follow the NABAS Code of Practice.

See what the Marine Conservation Society has to say about sky lantern and balloon releases.