Revellers have been banned from bringing sky lanterns or balloons to a major festival.
The RSPCA has welcomed the news that BBC Radio One has included lanterns and balloons on its list of prohibited items for its “Biggest Weekend” in Swansea (26-27 May).
Numerous horses, and other animals, have been injured or killed by balloons and lanterns in recent years.
Parts can be eaten by animals, or cause entanglement or entrapment, which can lead to injury, stress or even death.
RSPCA wildlife expert Llewelyn Lowen said the preventative action by BBC Radio One is “really positive news”.
“It was a cause for celebration recently when Wales’ council land became a no-fly zone for dangerous sky lanterns — so it’s great news to see Radio One reminding attendees of the Biggest Weekend not to bring them along,” he said.
“It’s such a big event for the city of Swansea; so it’s a great way to again highlight to the public as to the dangers of sky lanterns.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“These devices can have deadly consequences and a devastating impact for pets, farm and — perhaps most pertinently — wild animals.
“Releasing helium balloons, or deflated balloon litter, also poses a risk to animals, so it’s welcome also that Radio One are urging Biggest Weekend goers not to bring these along either.”
Campaigners are concerned about a series of releases due to take place across the UK this summer
The RSPCA lobbied for local authorities to ban the release of sky lanterns on council-owned land in Wales.
In February, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council became the 22nd and final Welsh local authority to ban the release of lanterns on its land.
The RSPCA is now campaigning for the Welsh government to introduce a countrywide ban on releasing the objects on private land.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
In this week’s edition, out on 24 May, don’t miss our “cob special”, including how to find the perfect cob, meet champion cob Our Cashel Blue and more.
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
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
