CHINESE lanterns are set to soar over Huddersfield, thanks to a former computer consultant.
Denby Dale man John Jordan has abandoned a 20-year career in IT to launch his own business, Firefly Chinese Lanterns, selling colourful Chinese lanterns which can be lit and sent soaring into the sky.
Mr Jordan and an unnamed business partner have already linked up with Rastrick High School to supply lanterns for use in science experiments when youngsters are learning about the principles of gases and hot air balloons.
The lanterns are also being stocked by Armitage’s garden centres at Birchencliffe and Shelley where they are proving popular with shoppers seeking an unusual gift, looking for a novel way to liven up a summer evening party or to celebrate birthdays and weddings.
Mr Jordan said: “I was looking for something else to move into and I came across these Chinese lanterns. They have been a tradition in the Far East for many years with people lighting them and releasing them into the sky as a way to celebrate.
“They are almost a more peaceful alternative to fireworks. They are family-friendly and sociable rather than dangerous and noisy. In Thailand it is considered lucky to let one go into the night sky and make a wish.”
Mr Jordan’s wish now is to see demand take off for the lanterns which are made in the Far East and distributed in the UK.
The lanterns are made from fire-retardent paper and comply with European safety standards.
“They are 100% biodegradable,” said Mr Jordan. “They are made from tissue paper which just turns to mush. It was important to us when we discussed setting up in business that it should be an ethical business.
“We are talking to the Woodland Trust about how we can contribute to its work as a way of offsetting our carbon use.”
Meanwhile Mr Jordan anticipates continued interest in the Chinese lanterns – particularly as the Beijing Olympics get under way this summer.
“In China, there are enormous lanterns in the shape of things like footballs or love-hearts,” he said. “There is tremendous potential for spin-offs and unusual designs in the UK as well.”
