Tickets available for Oswestry Balloon fest

For 2017, the Wales International Balloon Festival is moving over the border to the British Ironwork Centre, near Oswestry.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the spectacular display which will see 50 colourful balloons take off from the popular tourist attraction.

But owner Clive Knowles has said the centre on the A5, which is usually free to enter, will not be open to the general public over the August bank holiday weekend.

"Health and safety will always take precedent over money for us," he said. "We're limiting it to 1,000 cars and won't be accepting people on the day. If you have not got a ticket in advance, you can't come in. Health and safety has to be prioritised."

Last year the centre was forced to close when 3,000 visitors poured in to enjoy an exotic zoo, falconry demonstrations, live music and a treasure hunt. At the time Mr Knowles said in hindsight it was a mistake to put on a free event that was unticketed.

The colourful festival, held in collaboration with Linstrand Technologies, will raise money for Nightingale House Hospice.

Ahead of the festival, Mr Knowles has spoken to an astronomer who has said on the Saturday night the balloons will be visible from space when they all set off at once in the dark.

"It's going to be incredible," he said. "We've also got a balloon imported all the way from the United States which has never been seen in the UK and we've hired a flight director to ensure it all goes smoothly."

In addition to the colourful display of balloons, there will be balloon races each day, a performance from Xtreme stunt team, a Victorian fairground, exotic zoo and more.

And there's plenty of opportunity across the weekend to take a flight.

The event takes place over the bank holiday weekend from August 26-28. To book tickets visit: britishironworkcentre.co.uk