A hot air balloon festival is scheduled to take place in York this September.
The York Balloon Fiesta will be held in Knavesmire from Friday, September 29, with the three-day event closing on Sunday, October 1. Around 50 hot air balloons from across the UK will come to the city to take part in an action packed weekend.
The event’s organisers hope that the Fiesta – which is the first event of its kind to take place in the area – will attract thousands of visitors in a similar fashion to other festivals that happen around the country, such as the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place annually in August.
The York Balloon Fiesta is the brainchild of a hot air balloon pilot, Oliver Webb, who is also the man behind Munchies Cakeaway, a local dessert business. Webb states that the Bristol Balloon Fiesta was the inspiration of the event and wanted to share the city of York with other balloon enthusiasts.
Each day will start with a balloon ascent in Knavesmire, with a second flight scheduled later in the afternoon. This will be accompanied by a Victorian-themed funfair. Live music, street food stalls from Yorkshire-based vendors and a beer tent will also be open for visitors to enjoy over the weekend. A night glow with ultra-fibre optics has also been planned for the Saturday evening, where balloons will be inflated and glowing to music.
Hot air ballooning in Bristol and York dates back to the 16th Century and is more accessible now to anyone wishing to take their own flight.
You can fly in one of our Balloons at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2018 from just £200 per person
