A bit of background for reassurance. None of the other environmental organisations that CfDS are hoping to work would be likely to be considered controversial, other than with the extremist political fringe. Collectively they would number millions of ordinary supporters.
The reality is that getting anywhere with government requires a professional approach (know how) that the current CfDS committee lacks. Clubbing together resources (a manyfold increase) means that the money will be available to present the most compelling arguments, in the right formats, to the right people.
The previous government missed several opportunities to introduce useful anti LP rules through DEFRA. Experiences with officials there have been largely positive but they can only do the their master’s bidding. The new government has already indicated greater willingness to listen during the LGA conference last year. We are more hopeful than before.
We have worked with the ILP for decades (I was a member myself) and helped to write their guidance on LP mitigation. The last article we wrote for the ILP journal was published only a few months before Bob Mizon died. The ILP supported and took part in our aforementioned LGA event. I think CfDS committee member Kerem Asfuroglu, an award winning professional lighting designer, may be a member of the SLL.
In general we seldom worry about festivals because they are limited in duration and we don’t want to be spoil sports. Actually, they can be opportunities to address LP with the public (eg. Lewes Light Festival). Sky beams are a different matter.
British Astronomical Association
Supporting amateur astronomers since 1890