National feast of Lanterns

We are really pleased to say that the Camping and Caravanning Club have invited us to the National feast of Lanterns, we will be there from Weds in the National Council area (Red)and I am really looking forward to it, as it is the first rally we have been on that isn't a Touring and Tenting one.

The World’s biggest annual camping and caravanning rally – The National Feast of Lanterns - comes to the Kent County Showground, Detling from 2-4 September 2005, bringing the Wonders of the World with it.

The National Feast of Lanterns (NFOL) is organised by the largest and longest-established Club in the world for all forms of camping, The Camping and Caravanning Club.

Each year NFOL is based in a different region of the country, and this year the Club’s South Eastern Region is the host, with the sights and sounds of ‘World Festivals’ promising a weekend of carnival and music to reflect the theme.

The event is based on the Chinese Feast of Lanterns¹ and involves almost 10,000 Camping and Caravanning Club members with up to 4,000 camping units from all across the UK dressing their caravans, motorhomes or tents with a fabulous array of decorations and illuminations for a weekend of festivities.

The highlight of the event is a Saturday evening parade. This time around, there will be floats and fancy-dress to reflect the different countries and locations around the world, from China, to Rio, to our very own Notting Hill - each of the Regions and Sections of The Camping and Caravanning Club take part for the pleasure and entertainment of all.

The very first Feast of Lanterns was held in Dorking, Surrey in 1921. This time it will take place for the 77th time.

History
1) Known as Teng-Chieh, the Chinese Feast of Lanterns celebrates the safe return of a mandarin’s daughter after she fell into a lake while picking water lilies. To celebrate, the Chinese exchange gifts and good wishes and decorate their houses with coloured streamers and lanterns in all shapes and sizes.
2) National Feast of Lanterns takes place on an annual basis. However, the 1939 event was cancelled when war was declared and none were held during the war; in 1972, a last-minute planning problem caused its cancellation. Consequently, 75 have taken place from 1921 to 2005.
3) Each year, NFOL is held in a different region of the UK and is organised by voluntary officers from The Camping and Caravanning Club in that particular Region.
4) National Feast of Lanterns is only open to Camping and Caravanning Club members.

If you are interested in caravan and camping rallies, both ourselves and the Camping and Caravanning club hold them regularly.
Camping and Caravanning rallies can be found here
Touring and Tenting rallies can be found here

Posted by: Tenaki at 20:48 | link | comments

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