Llangollen balloon festival ready to take off

Thousands are expected to descend on Llangollen for the event, the highlight of which will be a spectacular night glow as the balloons illuminate the sky.

There will also be a fireworks display, parachute display and a balloon race.

The event, which is based at the Royal International Pavilion, is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds for Nightingale House Hospice.

The hospice decided to bring the event back to the area as one of its major fundraisers with profits going to the hospice's work in the Wrexham and Shropshire border area.

As well as static balloon inflations over both days, balloons will take off from the Royal International Pavilion mornings and evenings – weather permitting.

Visitors can also enjoy exciting arena demonstrations including Cheshire Falconry and the Xtreme Stunt motorcycle team.

The Red Devils parachute team is planning a very special demonstration from the basket of a balloon.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be Sunday's balloon race, sponsored by Shropshire's British Ironworks.

Arena attractions include, Saturday: 10am – Main show begins with balloon display in main arena;

11am, 2pm and 4pm – Xtreme Stunt Motorcycle Team (motorcycles)

Noon and 3pm – Cheshire Falconry;

1pm – Balloon Display;

5pm – evening ascent;

6pm – Red Devils Parachute Display;

8pm – Evening Glow

8.45pm – Firework Display

Sunday:

10am – main show begins with balloon display in main arena;

11am and 3pm – Galloping Acrobats;

Noon and 4pm – Cheshire Falconry;

1pm – Balloon Display;

2pm – Llangollen Motorcycle Club;

5pm – British Ironworks Balloon Race;

Pilots will compete in a classic 'hare and the hound' race travelling down the Dee Valley towards Shropshire.

Using just GPS coordinates and wind speeds, the pilots will chase the front balloonist.

The one closest to the final target will be crowned the ultimate winner to take the trophy, a bespoke steel sculpture created by the British Ironworks.

Balloons will take off from site at approximately 5pm.

Nightingale House chief executive, Steve Parry said: "The International Balloon Festival was one of the premier events across North Wales for more than a decade.

"We are pleased to see it back in Llangollen."

"Our thanks go to British Ironworks for allowing us to incorporate this fantastic race in our International Balloon Festival.

"It is going to be an amazing visual spectacle and what better way to cap off the weekend's activities.

"We wish all our competitors the very best of luck and I would advise everyone to come out and visit the event on Saturday and Sunday and make some superb memories with their family and friends."

The weather forecast is generally set fair for the weekend, so there is a fighting chance that the mass ascent of balloons will go ahead, although the key factor is the strength of the wind.

Gates will open at 7am on both Saturday and Sunday with an entry fee of £10 per adult and £5 per child.

For more information visit walesinternationalballoonfestival.co.uk.