Sure, hot air balloons seem like an impossibly impractical way to travel, but the sight of them floating across the sky will get pretty much anyone to look up and smile. And now a bunch more Brits will have the chance to do just that, as the whimsical air crafts will be taking flight across the UK this summer as a part of a new ‘Balloons and Beats’ festival.
Kicking off in Nottingham this May, Balloons and Beats will head to three more locations in Wrexham, Manchester and Chepstow, and offer delights for die-hard balloonists and more curious ballooners alike. Festival organisers have promised fairground rides, BMX stunts, Punch and Judy shows and live music performances, alongside the main event of balloon displays.
The festival is currently booked in for four dates and locations:
- Nottingham, Wollaton Park - May 16-18
- Wrexham, Penyllan Farm - June 6-8
- Manchester, Platt Fields Park - June 27-28
- Chepstow, Chepstow racecourse - September 13-14
Now, it should be noted that hot air balloons are very fickle creatures. Organisers have warned that in order for them to take to the skies weather conditions have to be pretty perfect (no rain, clear visibility and low winds are apparently the big three). For an example of how the UK’s notoriously bad weather can scupper balloon events, look no further than London’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta, which was cancelled over countless dates from 2019 to 2024.
Don’t let this burst your bubble (or balloon) though, as even if the balloons don’t take off the festivals’ other activities will carry on. Music line-ups have yet to be announced but the organisers have touted ‘top artists and local talent’, food and drink vendors will be at each location and there’ll be plenty of entertainment for kids.
For more information on the festival, check out the Balloons and Beats website here.
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