Event to be held at Dale Head Road, Buxton https://thelightsfest.com/event/manchester The event involves the construction and release of an unspecified number of ‘sky lanterns’ also known as Chinese Lanterns. The lanterns consist of a bamboo frame, paper-based balloon and a short-term fuel source. The lanterns are released into the sky whilst alight. The event location, just outside Buxton, is close to the Peak District National Park boundary, which surrounds the town. “We would like to see the Lights Festival stopped. As a National Park, we do not support the release of sky lanterns due to the potential impacts on wildlife and livestock, however our primary concern is now the risk of fire that is increased with the release of thousands of lanterns so close to the Peak District National Park boundary. “Although the lanterns are claimed to be biodegradable and with a short burn period, there is no further detail provided on this, and by their very nature, the travel and final location of lanterns remains indiscriminate. “To release thousands of naked flames into the sky when hundreds of firefighters and others are still battling flames in already tough conditions on the ground seems to go against all common sense. “Holding an event like this when we are actively asking people to take extra care to avoid fires, not to light barbeques and other precautions, seems to be a completely unnecessary risk. “In the current extremely dry conditions, it is likely that the remains of lanterns will still be present in the landscape for some time, during a key period where the wildlife breeding season reaches its close and livestock remain in open fields. “This is an avoidable event that could lead to significant impacts on the wildlife, landscapes and livelihoods of the Peak District National Park.”