Findings regarding unknown aerial phenomena (UFO) sighting reports for the period mentioned are as follows:-

The total number of actual sighting reports received by LUFOIN members, together with sightings reported to others covering the area during the year 2009 for the Leicestershire region alone, currently stands at 78 - 63 of which, after study, appear to be describing the observation of Chinese Lanterns at various stages of their life, including their launch. This figure does not include reports made direct to the local media or official bodies such as the Police, Ministry of Defence or others.

Figures concerning reports made to national research organisations such as Contact or the British UFO Research Association should they exist, are unfortunately unobtainable at this time.

1876 - December 21^st., Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, USA. Time un-noted, but night - time. (Source: The UFO Register, Vol.8, Part 1. 1977).

A ‘meteoric’ procession, was seen at Beaver Falls and other surrounding districts on this night. It was described as a ‘flock of Jack-o,-Lanterns’, probably 50 in number, with many of the objects having the apparent size of a man’s fist; ‘one seemed to be the leader, (with) all the others following in regular order’. Each of the objects had a fiery streamer, two to three feet in length, emitting sparks in all directions……..they floated along with considerable velocity, yet with ease and gracefulness. The display was witnessed by nearly one hundred persons. (Sound familiar? ).

1967 - BELOW LEFT: Residents of Jackson, California, U.S.A., in March, 1967, were startled to witness orange lights flashing in the sky. A group of high school students admitted later that they had filled dry cleaning bags with hot air using a blow torch and attached candles underneath to produce a lighted balloon which could stay aloft for over half a hour, convincing everyone below that they were witnessing UFOs. (Source: Sky Link).

1971- ABOVE RIGHT: A 12ft. Long balloon made of white paper crash-landed at the home of Mrs. Draper, in Nursery Road, Leicester, in 1971. Her Husband, a hosiery knitter, found the balloon on his lawn, which was connected to a wooden hoop about 4 ft. in diameter. A wooden cross was also attached which carried a large construction like a giant candle holder. Neither the RAF or the Meteorological office could identify the balloon. (Source: The Leicester Mercury).