Staffordshire is set for a hot air balloon sunrise spectacle and an impressive evening ‘glow’ in September as part of the first ever Balloon Fiesta to be staged in the county.
Uttoxeter Racecourse is due to host the event over the weekend of 18-19 September, with the high-flying event seeing an array of hot air balloons take to the skies in a sunrise ascent on the Saturday.
Back on the ground, live arena entrainment will keep visitors entertained before an evening descent – followed by a ‘mesmerising balloon glow’, when the burners are ignited making the tethered balloons glow like huge Chinese lanterns.
As well as the balloon glow, the Saturday evening will also see a fireworks display.
Along with the sight of hot air balloons filling the skies at sunrise and sunset, they will also be tethered throughout the day, offering a chance for visitors to get up close and personal with the balloons and the pilots.
While the Fiesta will take place over the weekend, balloon flights will only be at the site on the Saturday, weather permitting.
But among other treats lined up for both the Balloon Fiesta Day and the Sunday Family Fun Day are a funfair, circus workshops and food and drink stalls.
Tickets cost £5 per adult, and £4 per child (Saturday); £4 and £3 (Sunday) and £8 and £5 for a weekend pass (plus booking fee for all tickets). Children under one meter are free.
The hot air balloons are weather dependent, keep an eye on the Facebook page, @staffordshireballoonfiesta, for the latest updates.
Full details about the Balloon Fiesta are at www.staffordshireballoonfiesta.co.uk
General tourist information about visiting, and staying in, Staffordshire is available at http://www.enjoystaffordshire.com.