Flying start

Prepare for lift off . . . Guests prime one of the Chinese lanterns at The White Hart

The night skies over Saddleworth were lit by the glow of Chinese lanterns when more than 300 revellers celebrated New Year.

The lanterns, which can float up to a mile high, were the idea of Charles Brierley, managing director of the White Hart at Lydgate.

After a New Year’s Eve meal, guests braved sub-zero temperatures in the grounds, where the lanterns were ignited.

Mr Brierley said: “Unfortunately, there was a breeze, which hampered the lanterns ascent. We did not quite achieve the spectacular effect we had visualised

“However, the guests were really thrilled by the idea. They said it gave them a memorable start to the New Year.”

Mr Brierley, who has travelled widely in China, said: “The Chinese use the lanterns to celebrate special occasions.

“I am planning to fly them at weddings because they have such romantic connotations.”


The Chinese New Year — celebrating the year of the Ox — begins on Monday, January 26.