Nature Trust has expressed concern over plans by Victory Band of Naxxar for a mass release of balloons as part of the feast activities. 

"What goes up would eventually come down and, since our islands are surrounded by sea, most balloons would definitely end up in the sea, making the collection of burst balloons impossible.

 

"Such debris harms marine wildlife including turtles, sea birds, dolphins and other aquatic life, which ingest it, eventually causing a long and painful death," Nature Trust said.

It urged the  authorities to take the necessary legislative measures to prohibit such harmful activities. Mass balloon releases have already been banned by several local authorities in the UK, USA and Australia.

The band club was also urged to reconsider and instead donate the money to be spent on the balloons to a charitable institution. Alternatively, if the balloons have already been bought, it suggested that instead of being released, a massive balloon sculpture should be constructed so that when the balloons eventually burst, their debris is contained.

In a reaction, the band club said balloons had been thrown at its band marches for a long time, in the same way as for other feasts.

As for the record attempt for the morning march, the air used would not lift the balloons and they would not pose a danger or a threat to the environment.  

 

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