Council to look at holding its own balloon festival

Oswestry Town Council will examine the possibility of holding the event in Cae Glas Park over the August Bank Holiday in 2018.

In the lead up to the balloon festival at the British Ironwork Centre last month, a number of balloons were launched from the town park to promote the event.

Inspired by the success of the promotional evening, Mark Derbyshire from Cloud 9 Balloons has asked the council to consider running their own festival.

A report that went before the council on Wednesday evening said there would be hot air balloon flights, demonstrations and exhibitions, and that it will be free to enter.

Clerk David Preston said: "This is an exciting one. We're looking at around 25 to 30 balloons over the Saturday and Sunday. I'm told it's an excellent place to fly from because it is well sheltered.

"We've spoken to NABMA (National Association of British Market Authorities) and they have said they're interested in supporting it as well."

The costs would include balloon gas as well as camping and hospitality for the balloon owners, and It is expected to cost in the region of £6,000 to £10,000. Mr Preston told councillors it is likely the money could be covered by sponsorship.

Mayor of Oswestry, Councillor Vince Hunt said: "I think this is brilliant. Oswestry needs these sorts of events to become a destination town. It's been said before that Oswestry is just a 'two hour town' and that people come, do their shopping and leave, but these sorts of events turn that around. However, we do need to keep an eye on the costs."

Councillor Chris Schofield also raised concerns about the effect the weather could have on a ballooning event.

"It's so weather dependent," he added. "If the weather isn't in our favour it would turn out to be a complete disaster."

Mr Preston said the uncertainty of the weather is why the carnival would be free.

He added that there demonstrations, exhibitions and other entertainment could still go ahead if the weather was bad.

Nightingale House have already expressed an interest in getting involved.