The skies above Longleat were filled with the spectacular sight of dozens of hot air balloons as part of a brand new ‘Sky Safari’ extravaganza (September 16th – 18th) .
The event, which was supported by Exclusive Ballooning, was the latest in a year-long series of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Longleat Safari Park.
To honour this historic milestone, 50 balloons, one for each year the safari park has been open, were launched into the air over a 30-minute period.
Over the three-days a sky-full of hot air balloons in a variety of shapes and sizes, including Longleat’s very own ‘flying lion’, made a series of mass ascents into the sky above the Wiltshire Estate between sunrise and sunset.
Among those taking part were Puddles and Splash, a pair of cute penguin-shaped balloons, who were making their only UK appearance this year at the event, as well as the Ricoh Cube and the Fortnum & Mason balloons.
On Saturday, September 17th Longleat was also lit up by a very special celebratory night glow event with more than 30 balloons firing up their burners to musical accompaniment – making it the biggest event of its kind in the UK.
In addition to the early morning and dusk launches on Friday, Saturday and Sunday there were also a series of tethered ascents taking place from 10am-midday and 2pm-4pm on all three days.
