World’s largest balloon to take flight at Northampton Balloon Festival
THIRTY hot air balloons, including the world’s largest, have already signed up for next month’s Northampton Balloon Festival.
The annual event, in its 22nd year, will be held at Billing Aquadrome for the third time.
Around 40,000 visitors are expected to watch the twice daily spectacle of the balloons launching into the sky over the three days.
Balloons have been launching over the past few weekends over the skies of Northampton in preparation for the festival between Friday, August 19 and Sunday, August 21.
A highlight of the festival will include a ‘balloon glow’ on the Saturday night when the balloons will turn into giant lanterns tethered to the ground for a display put to music.
Mark Johnson, operations manager at Billing Aquadrome, said: “We’ve been building up to the festival over the last few weeks by sending balloons into the sky and raising awareness, and will continue to do so until the festival.
“The balloonists can only go up in good weather, but even if unfortunately they can’t, there will still be lots to do at the park.
“The fantastic balloons in all shapes and sizes will be tethered to the ground with their owners on hand to talk about them and explain all the facts and science behind ballooning.
“It’s a great event for families and balloon enthusiasts and a wonderful spectacle.
“Billing Aquadrome is very excited to be hosting it again, we think the location really adds to the atmosphere of the event.
“We’ve got our fingers crossed for the weather and hope to attract about 40,000 people.”
An American classic car rally will also be held over the weekend at the park, where families were able to enjoy a funfair and many of the park’s attractions.
Balloon pilots and crews were also on hand to run daily demonstrations and to talk about ballooning.
The daily launches will be from 6am and 6pm each day depending on the weather, but each balloonist is hoping to fly.
Last year the balloons were only able to fly on the Sunday in front of a crowd of tens of thousands.
For more information visit www.thenorthamptonballoon festival.co.uk
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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