The Shropshire skies were filled with balloons and kites at the weekend as the Telford Balloon and Kite Fiesta took place.
The festival was one of numerous events being planned in Telford during the year, as this year marks 50 years since the inception of the new town.
The two-day event took part in Telford Town Park and thousands of people attended to take in the sights as balloons took to the skies. A total of 20 balloons ascended from the park and over the town, which was established back in 1968.
Organisers of the fiesta described the event as “fantastic” and were pleased that the hot air balloons were in the town to take part in the celebrations. Marc Derbyshire, the flight director, who is also from the town, stated that the fiesta was the first event of its kind to take place in the town for decades, adding that it was special to have the balloons back in Telford.
Derbyshire also reported that the balloon pilots were also happy with proceedings, with some commenting that the area is a great spot to fly over.
The councillor of Telford & Wrekin, Richard Overton, stated that he was happy to celebrate the town’s history, including Dawley and nearby Coalbrookdale – the location that started the Industrial Revolution.
Spectators and enthusiasts don’t have to keep their feet on the ground as there are plenty of opportunities to take a hot air balloon flight in Bristol, Bath and all around the UK.
