It was described as “unbelievable” by those who witnessed it, and for good reason. Hundreds of hot air balloons lifted off across five successful launches over three days, turning the skies into a drifting sea of colour in what organisers are calling one of the most memorable festivals in recent years.
The event drew enormous crowds who gathered in fields and open spaces to watch the balloons ascend, their vivid patterns and shapes catching the light as they floated overhead. Families, photographers, and balloon enthusiasts turned out in force, many saying the atmosphere on the ground was just as electric as the spectacle above it.
Despite the celebrations, the festival did end without its traditional final mass ascent, the moment where every balloon takes to the sky simultaneously in one breathtaking display. It is usually the crowning moment of the event and a highlight for regular attendees. Weather conditions or logistical factors can often force organisers to make that difficult call, and this year was no exception. For many, it was a disappointment, but one that did little to dampen the overall mood.
“Unbelievable” was the word on many lips throughout the weekend, and it kept coming up in conversations among the crowds long after the last balloon had touched back down. Veteran festival-goers said that even without the mass ascent, the sheer number of successful launches across the three days more than made up for it.
Five launches over the course of the festival is no small achievement. Balloon events are notoriously at the mercy of the wind and weather, and getting even a handful of clean, safe ascents off the ground takes careful planning, experienced pilots, and a fair bit of luck with the conditions. Five successful ones back to back is the kind of result that keeps people coming back year after year.
The balloons themselves ranged from classic teardrop shapes in bold single colours to elaborate novelty designs that drew gasps and laughter from the crowds below. Giant animals, unusual characters, and striking geometric patterns all made appearances, giving photographers plenty to work with and children plenty to point at.
For the local area, events like this carry real weight beyond the spectacle itself. Thousands of visitors mean packed car parks, busy local pubs and restaurants, and a welcome boost for traders and businesses in the surrounding towns and villages. The festival has built a reputation over the years as one of those genuinely feel-good events on the English calendar, the kind that brings people together without much fuss.
Organisers thanked everyone who attended and praised the pilots and ground crews whose work made the launches possible. They acknowledged the absence of the final mass ascent but pointed to the overall success of the weekend as proof that the festival delivered on what it promised.
For those who missed it this year, the message was simple. Come back next time. If this edition was anything to go by, it will be worth it.
Went to one of these years ago and it was genuinely brilliant. There’s something proper magical about watching dozens of balloons drift overhead at dawn. Would love to go again someday honestly.