Sentosa sky lantern festival: No clearance yet for rescheduled event, 11 complaints made against organiser

SINGAPORE: Clearance has yet to be given for the rescheduled Singapore Sky Lantern Festival, after the event's candle light-up was scrapped at the eleventh hour. 

In response to CNA's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said on Thursday (Feb 29) that it was told by the event organiser – Asian Couture and Boutique – that it had decided to reschedule the event, but it did not provide further information on the date or venue.

"As SCDF is still following up with the event organiser on the details and the implementation of the fire safety guidelines, we have not given any clearance for the rescheduled event," it said.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore told CNA that it is aware of the organiser's intent to reschedule the event, but it has not been given any details about the date, venue or how the event will be conducted.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Asian Couture and Boutique’s Shiermie Bautista said the rescheduled event would be held around the first week of April.

No refunds will be given to attendees of the Feb 21 event, she said, adding that the tickets are valid for the rescheduled event.

"For those who can’t attend the next event, you can re-sell your tickets at TicketSwap. Thank you for your kind understanding."

The much-publicised festival, held at Palawan Green, cost S$50 per person excluding booking fees.

Participants were sold on the promise of a photogenic lantern light-up with burning candles. These lanterns were meant to float in the sky for five to 10 minutes while being tethered to the ground via 60m-long strings. 

However, many ticketholders were left disappointed and angry when they arrived to find that “unforeseen circumstances” had changed these plans, with attendees offered LED candles instead.

They were also provided with pens to write their wishes on the lanterns before tying them to the barricades. 

This sparked a backlash on social media, with many attendees demanding refunds.

11 COMPLAINTS MADE

The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) told CNA on Wednesday evening that it has received 11 consumer complaints against the event organiser.

"In general, consumers complained that the segment involving the release of sky lanterns was marketed as the highlight of the event and this was cancelled without prior notice," CASE president Melvin Yong added.

"Affected consumers are seeking refunds from the event organiser. As these complaints are pending resolution, CASE is unable to comment further."

The consumer watchdog also urged affected customers to get in touch with it for assistance.

The Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) told CNA on Wednesday that it was "disappointed to hear that, contrary to their earlier stance, the event organiser has now decided not to provide refunds".

"As this is a third-party event, the event organiser makes the final decision to issue refunds or to reschedule," the SDC spokesperson added.

The organisers have reached out to SDC over its interest in holding another similar event. 

"We reiterated to them on the need to apply for all necessary licences/permits and abide by all requirements from the authorities before engaging us on (a) possible venue," said the spokesperson.

For events held in Sentosa, SDC advises event organisers on the various agency regulatory processes, including the requirements that each organiser must adhere to.

They must show proof of these approvals before the event is allowed to take place.

"Due to the unique complexities for each event, the event organiser must plan in the lead time required for licence/permit applications and approvals," added the spokesperson.

FIRE SAFETY GUIDELINES NOT ADHERED TO

SCDF said last week that the organiser did not adhere to stipulated fire safety guidelines even though these requirements had been reiterated on “multiple occasions” leading up to the event. 

Sky lanterns must be tethered at all times when lit. Safety marshals must be on-site to supervise the event and prevent the lanterns from being released if they are not tethered. They must also be equipped with fire extinguishers.

SCDF informed the event organiser of the fire safety guidelines on Oct 31, 2023.

Asian Couture and Boutique conducted a trial on Feb 19 that was deemed unsatisfactory as one of the lighted lanterns caused a small fire on the artificial turf. 

After the event was fully set up on Feb 21, SCDF conducted a site inspection and found that the organiser had failed to adhere to the guidelines. 

"They did not provide proper tethers for the sky lanterns, nor fire extinguishers, or safety marshals," the spokesperson said.

"Therefore, in the interest of public and aviation safety, SCDF informed the event organiser that they should not use the sky lanterns for the event. The event organiser eventually used LED lights for the lanterns."