“In reference to the comments made by Mr Page that the lights were too high to be lanterns. It is notoriously difficult in dark conditions to judge the height and size of objects in the sky, hence why eye witness testimony in such cases can vary wildly from person to person. Additionally, fire lanterns will typically remain in the same loose formation if they are being being blown by wind of equal velocity. The overwhelming majority of cases featured in the media across Gloucestershire within the past twelve months have related to such lanterns and they are no longer an uncommon sight in the skies. Certainly, one flew over Charlton Kings at approximately 6pm on bonfire night. Others have been reported from around the county in Stroud, Tetbury, Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.

In reference to Mr Rudge's statement that 3am is a late time to be releasing lanterns, I agree. However, as someone who investigates UFO reports first hand, to rule out this possibility simply upon the basis of personal incredulity is not wise. The early hours of Sunday morning still see some people out and about, often after a good evening the night before. Likewise, hoaxers are aware that the early hours are a prime time to ply their trade - something that farmers in Wiltshire have been able to attest for a very long time with the annual crop circle deluge.
Of course, any good investigator will view Mr Rudge's case as entirely different from Mr Page's, although it is never wise to speculate as to fanciful explanations until the rational and mundane have been eliminated.”

“I saw a light in the sky. I think its its god trying to look for his car keys so he can visit the devil for tea and cake. the light is obviously a torch which he is using.

Are you all that think you lot dont know this.”

“Kenneth Page - You are kidding me!!!”

“While I am well prepared to accept that these lights were Chinese lanterns and nothing more sinister, would the good people at Leonard Cheshire Homes say if they also launched lanterns very late on Saturday the 1st of November , as that is when I saw a very similar formation over Leckhampton at around 3am Sunday gliding sedately Northward. Rather late to be setting off lanterns don't you think ?”

“God the only waste of time is you lot commenting on something you find uninteresting, just dont take time out of your day to read it and there wouldnt be a problem!!”

“"It prompted speculation over what had caused the lights, but the mystery has been solved thanks to staff at Leonard Cheshire Disability Gloucestershire".
Thanks for solving the mystery...I actually thought there were UFO's above Cheltenham!! I'm surprised that this story didnt outshine Obama becoming President of the USA!!”

“Congratulations to the Echo on the bigest un-news story of the year.

I'm normally quite happy to read about anything to pass the time of day but this was just silly.”

“>UFO lights over Cheltenham explained<

Can I point out that most of us didn't actually need these explaining?!!

Another desperate light weight story!”

“Wish I had seen them. I have never seen them in this country though I have seen literally thousands of these "Khomloy" in the sky in Thailand, News Years Eve 2004, in remembrance of all the people killed in the Tsunami a week before.”

“I too also saw something in the skies at around that time on Friday night, There were two Bright Orange Cylinders moving slowly across the sky, which then slowly disintegrated into nothingness.

Is this the same thing? Or is this something different?”