More than 200 hot air balloons from around the world will be arriving at Longleat next month for the largest gathering ever in the UK.
A menagerie of flying animals will be among the highlights of this year’s Longleat Sky Safari (September 14th-16th).
The spectacular three-day event is also aiming to create a new UK record for the most balloons in the sky simultaneously, with more than 150 inflatables of all shapes and sizes set to take to the skies above the Wiltshire estate.
Among the animal balloons on show will be Simbaloo, Longleat’s very own lion, alongside penguins Puddles, Splash and Tall Steve, Wes the wolf, a donkey and an owl.
The event will also see the unveiling of a brand new mystery hot air balloon with an exciting Longleat related theme.
Other uniquely shaped balloons taking part in the event include a pair of Bertie Basset characters, a giant 120ft Hunter wellington boot, an orange, an Aston Martin wing and a balloon themed around Disney’s hit movie ‘Up’.
“This year’s Sky Safari is going to be even bigger and better than ever,” said Longleat’s Steve Mytton.
“As well as flying more balloons in mass ascents than ever before, to make this year’s event even more memorable, we’re also hosting lots of beautiful and bizarre shapes!
“The highly popular night glows are returning on Friday and Saturday night with the balloons firing their burners in time to a musical soundtrack and we’re introducing a new feature called ‘Shape Sunday’ to showcase more than 20 of the most unusual balloons,” he added.
Please be aware ballooning is weather dependent, and timings and launches may be subject to change. In particularly adverse conditions some launches and displays may have to be postponed or cancelled.
For full details and to book online go to www.longleat.co.uk/whats-on/