Sky Lanterns Add to the Magic at Glastonbury
With Glastonbury 2009 approaching there is one particular product that comes to mind, sky lanterns. They have, in recent years, become an integral part of any Glasto-goers experience. In an interview in 2008 the headliner’s, Kings of Leon, cited the launch of lanterns from the Stone Circle as their enduring memory of the festival. If you do not directly launch one from the tranquil Stone Circle you are likely to witness their supernatural presence as they drift up and across the open Somerset farm land. It is no surprise that the use 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 communally around fires in the free 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 close to numinous experience to watch from the hillside of the Circle as the wishes rise across the packed festival, oblivious to the chaotic 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 perfect moment to reflect and escape. It is one of the reasons that despite its ever sprawling size, Glastonbury remains unequaled.
