Processions of withy and tissue lanterns have been promoted for many years by Welfare State International and others. They are ideal for community or school projects as the technique of construction is simple enough for almost anyone to produce some sort of functioning lantern, while talented people can create designs of amazing beauty and size.

The Lantern Procession idea actually lends itself well to reinvention as a Green activity. Most of the construction materials are biodegradable, and the addition of renewable solar and wind powered electrical energy vastly enhances the illuminations. Much larger lanterns can be lit using simple filament lights without the risk of accidental ignition. The use of low energy fluorescent  lights gives much brighter lighting which can compete with street lights so that urban processions are more viable. Combinations of coloured LED and Strobe lights can be used to give dynamic effects.
We have acquired a number of surplus medical type batteries. Each one will run a 2D low energy fluorescent (equivalent to 75W of filament light) for up to four hours, or groups of LED, small filament or strobe lights for much longer. They weigh about 1.5kg each, can be carried easily in a shoulder bag and are completely safe, being of sealed construction with built in fuses.
The batteries are charged beforehand (and recharged afterwards) using a combination of wind and solar energy. (And if it's not windy or sunny there's always the pedal generators!)
Another new idea we've added is the use of lightweight support towers made of plastic drain pipe. While polypropylene is not the greenest substance, it can be reused over and over again and its lightness means that towers nine or ten metres tall can be safely carried through crowds of people. Such towers are very noticeable, particularly on a Green festival site as they're often among the tallest objects on the site and attract a lot of attention when illuminated and moving. Afterwards the individual lanterns can be removed and taken home by the makers.
Apart from the towers, we also have a collection of self-illuminating car hub disc generators (see the DIY section for more details) which can be operated at ground level during processions.