Question 1

When is Lantern Floating Festival going to be held in 2026 and how can I register to attend?

Accepted Answer

This year's Lantern Floating Festival will take place from 17-19 September.Reservations are now open. Reserve your place by clicking the link below.

Question 2

Is there parking available onsite?

Accepted Answer

There is free parking for approximately 100 cars on site.
Disabled parking is available and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Question 3

Wheelchair Accessibility

Accepted Answer

The garden paths are made of gravel. Accessible toilet facilities are available in the Manor House (the main temple building) and in the garden. There is a lift to access the ground floor of the main building and a stairlift to reach the first floor.

Question 4

What should I expect when I arrive at Shinnyo Lantern Floating Festival?

Accepted Answer

Friendly staff will welcome you at the registration desk.  Please have your ticket ready, either in printed form or on your phone.We will provide you with a lantern and pens to write on.  However, you are welcome to bring your decorations, such as photos, to personalise the lanterns.  You can float your decorated lanterns on the lake at any time. Throughout the event, an interactive tour is available in the Manor House to learn about the Shinnyo Lantern Floating."Why chant?" workshop takes place at 17:30 and a Chanting Rite will be conducted at 18:30 every day in the marquee, both of which last approximately 30 minutes. Just turn up and grab a seat to join!

Question 5

What sort of messages can I write on the lanterns?

Accepted Answer

Messages and prayers can come in many shapes and forms, and there are no set rules for what is and isn't appropriate. Here are a few ideas:
Prayers or messages to lost loved ones.
Prayers or messages of hope for the future, and peace in the world.
Expressions of gratitude and appreciation for all around us. 
	Please kindly express yourselves freely.

Question 6

Are the lanterns FREE?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the lanterns are free. However, if you wish to make a donation to our centre, please do so by clicking on the link here

Question 7

Can I bring my picnic?

Accepted Answer

You can bring your own picnic, however kindly refrain from bringing alcohol. Please bring your own folding chairs if you can, as we have limited garden chairs on-site.A coffee van will be available each day on-site.On Friday and Saturday, a pizza van will also be available on-site.

Question 8

Are dogs allowed?

Accepted Answer

We kindly ask you to refrain from bringing dogs to the venue, except guide or listening dogs.

Question 9

What will happen once I register?

Accepted Answer

Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email from us with tickets for the event.
 
Please note: This email can take up to 48 hours from registration.  If this is not the case, please check your spam folder first before contacting us.

Question 10

How can I cancel my tickets?

Accepted Answer

To cancel your ticket(s), please email enquiries.uk@shinnyo.info stating the date and time you have reserved your ticket(s).

Question 11

What happens to the lanterns once floated?

Accepted Answer

All lanterns once floated will stay on the lake within our gardens until the end of the festival.
Once lanterns are collected, we wash and dry all the wooden lantern bases, ready for reuse next year.

Question 12

Does the Lantern Floating Festival have any impact to the environment?

Accepted Answer

The lantern bases are made of wood and are reused each year, the tea lights used to light the lanterns are rechargeable and collected after use. We try to reuse and recycle all the materials as much as possible and are constantly looking at better ways to do so.
Our eight-acre gardens are managed in ways to maintain the natural and historic character of the Manor House lake and gardens, and to encourage biodiversity and wildlife. The garden is home to two badger families and three fox families, so a section of the garden will be off limits. Our flower border is also a popular destination for visiting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. We are very happy to share our gardens during the festival with our human visitors, but we kindly ask they respect this natural space by taking all rubbish home or using bins provided.

Question 13

Do I also need to register very young children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please. Due to GDPR legislation and the fact that there are many cameras around during the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Festival, we need adults who are bringing children to read and accept the GDPR policy on their behalf. Thank you!

Question 14

Will food be available?

Accepted Answer

Yes - there will be a coffee van with light snacks onsite all three days, and a pizza van on Friday & Saturday.