Lindstrand helps Oswestry balloon festival rise again
A company has offered to underwrite the cost of holding a balloon festival in the centre of Oswestry.
The festival was held for the first time last year, at the British Ironwork Centre on the outskirts of the town.
However, plans from Lindstrand, Cloud Nine Balloons, and Nightingale House charity, which first ran an event in Llangollen, are being put together to run it out of Cae Glas Park.
A report will go before the town council tonight. It states Oswestry is a balloon hotspot, with two big companies, and the intention would be to have 25 balloons available on August Bank Holiday weekend.
The report says: “There will be flight demonstrations and exhibitions from the park over two days and the commitment is that entry to the park will be free of charge.
“Nightingale House have confirmed that the event will be at no cost to the town council for PR and publicity and this will be undertaken by Lindstrand and Nightingale House. In return they will receive all collections and sponsorship.”
A concern for the council was the cost of balloon gas and camping and hospitality for balloon owners.
It was anticipated it would cost between £6,000 and £10,000. If sponsorship isn’t found, Lindstrand have confirmed they will underwrite the costs.
The report outlines the aims of the event, to provide a different events and increase the profile of Oswestry and its ballooning history.
A further event would be the continental market on the Friday evening prior to the weekend, with a live stage in the town centre.
On Sunday a parade would take place in the town centre, according to the plans.
The report by town clerk David Preston adds: “In summary, this provides an opportunity for a significant new event for the town centre in 2018.
“It would be an attraction in Cae Glas Park and it would also offer an opportunity for a free event for the public and visitors.”
