Sky Lanterns at Glastonbury
With Glasto approaching there is one specific product that comes to mind, sky lanterns. They have, in recent years, become an integral part of any Glastonbury-goers experience. In an interview last year the headliner’s, Kings of Leon, cited the launch of sky lanterns from the Stone Circle as their enduring memory of the festival. If you do not directly launch one from the magical Stone Circle you are likely to witness their ghostly presence as they drift up and across the open Somerset countryside. It is no surprise that the release of the lanterns, with their connotations of serenity and optimism, have become intrinsically linked with the Stone Circle. This area is where festival goers seek respite in the dark of the night, sitting and talking together around fires in the friendly spirit that remains at the heart of the festival. As is traditional with sky lanterns, a wish is made with each one released. It is a powerful experience to watch from the hillside of the Circle as the wishes rise across the packed festival, oblivious to the manic crowds beneath them, up in to the sky and out of sight. Watching the sky lanterns take this journey in to the clouds is a pure moment to contemplate and escape. It is one of the reasons that despite its ever sprawling size, Glastonbury remains unparalleled.
