Wales International Balloon Festival raises funds for Nightingale House Hospice
Hundreds of balloons took to the skies at the weekend providing a stunning spectacle for crowds.
Raising funds for Nightingale House Hospice, the Wales International Balloon Festival at the Llangollen International Pavilion meant a return of ballooning to the Welsh border tourist town.
Wind speeds meant that Saturday's early morning flight had to be abandoned but perfect weather yesterday saw a flotilla of hot air balloons soar through the mist and low clouds in the Dee Valley.
One of the highlights of the two-day event was a display with a difference from the Red Devils parachute display team with members leaping not from their usual airplane but from the basket of a balloon.
The team said it was their first public jump from a balloon in more than 20 years. Another highlight was the Saturday evening night glow, with tethered balloons on the pavilion field lighting up to music.
Thousands of people descended on Llangollen for the event and organisers apologised for the queues for the car parks.
"We have to confess we were very surprised at and unprepared for the number of visitors. Sorry for the problems caused," a spokesman said. Visitors to the event said it was good to see the balloon festival back.
