Hot air balloons due at Telford kite festival

Telford's Balloon and Kite Fiesta will take place on May 12, and May 13, and there will be up to four opportunities to see the balloons take off over the weekend, depending on weather conditions.

Lindstrand Technologies, partners in the event, will be supporting a host of hot air balloons that will be floating above the borough at intervals, as well as being tethered in the QEII Fields in Trust Town Park area for everyone to see.

On the evening of Saturday, May 12, spectators will be treated to a 'night glow', where around ten balloons will become beautiful floating lanterns and bounce along to the music.

The Midlands Kite Flyers, the council's regular partners, will once again join the fun by flying their huge professional kites on the Rugby Club. There will also be an opportunity for residents to fly or make their own kites on the day.

The event is free to attend. The nominated charity of Councillor Stephen Reynolds, may of the borough of Telford and Wrekin, for this event is Severn Hospice (Telford).

The event takes place between 12 noon and 10pm (with the nightglow) on May 12, and 11am and 7pm on May 13. Ballooning is weather dependant.

Councillor Rae Evans, Telford and Wrekin Council's cabinet member for tourism, said: "We are delighted to have such a spectacle in our fabulous Town Park.

"The Kite Festival is a lovely day out for families and this very special year it returns with even more on offer. A balloon festival is something we haven't seen in Telford for many years.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to see something special as part of the Telford 50 celebrations and so I hope as many people as possible will come along and make a day of it."

Planning is still underway for the event, with more announcements and timings to be revealed.