NFU urges against letting off Chinese lanterns for Chinese New Year

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has called for revellers celebrating the Chinese New Year today (Monday January 23) to not let off Chinese lanterns.

The NFU has in the past called for an outright ban on the candle-powered lanterns, which are already outlawed in Spain and parts of Germany.

Their concern is that when the lanterns return to the ground they can be eaten by grazing animals or start fires.

NFU rural surveyor Louise Staples said: “Our members know how these lanterns can harm or kill farm animals and they can also cause fires to thatch roofs and bales of hay and straw.

“We hope everyone has a wonderful Chinese New Year but urge people to think twice about setting lanterns off.”

BBC wildlife camera man Mark Vinall is also calling for a ban on the sale of Chinese lanterns in the UK.

Mark has launched an e-petition on the Government’s website – https://submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/13051 .

• Would you be insured if a chinese lantern set your buildings on fire or led to your horse being injured? For all your insurance needs, contact KBIS

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now