Kaleidoscope of Balloons take to the skies over Longleat

Friday, 8 September 2023 01:00

Hot air balloons filled the early morning sky as part of a special flight marking the official launch of Longleat’s Sky Safari on Friday.

The launch featured a kaleidoscope of brightly coloured balloons. Among the more unusual shapes to take to the skies over the Wiltshire stately home as part of the three-day event were Iggy the Purple Baby Dragon, the Wallace & Gromit Moon Rocket, Dolly the Sheep, The Penguin Family and of course the Longleat Koala and Lions

Established in 2016, Sky Safari, which Exclusive Ballooning is supporting, is one of Europe’s largest annual hot air balloon events and attracts professional pilots from around the world.

All this weekend, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and photo opportunities as over 100 balloons take off in mass launches, as well as tethered displays against the unique backdrop of Longleat House.

Early birds can catch the stunning sunrise balloon launches from 7 am and throughout the day, there will be chances to enjoy close-up views of the tethered balloons followed by a second scheduled mass launch at 5 pm.

When the late summer sun goes down, it gets even more magical as the balloons fire up their burners for a stunning world-class night glow, choreographed to a bespoke produced soundtrack.

The Sky Safari is included in a Longleat Day Ticket. Adult £39.95, Child (3-15) £29.95, Under 3s Free. Please note the event is highly popular and places are limited. For more details and to book tickets go to www.longleat.co.uk/sky-safari

More from Local News

Shops to stay open for 'Festive Shopping' evening

Shops will open until 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th, for an evening of festive shopping in Salisbury, the City of the Stars, this Christmas.
A step towards a safer community as Speedwatch group gets underway

Laverstock & Ford Parish Council saw their inaugural Community Speedwatch get underway this month after some initial setbacks.
Trainee teacher takes part in prestigious Lord Mayor’s Show in London to raise awareness of liver disease

A trainee teacher and marathon runner who is waiting for a liver transplant, was a special guest at the Lord Mayor’s Show in London last Saturday, representing the British Liver Trust, the UK’s leading liver health charity.
Residents encouraged to ‘Ask the Leader’ at event in Amesbury

Wiltshire Council is continuing to host its series of community events across the county where people can ask questions to find out more about the work of the council, with the Leader of the Council having visited 16 of Wiltshire’s 18 community areas so far.
Three men arrested in connection with van break-in series

Wiltshire Police have arrested three people in connection with an investigation into thefts from vans across the county, during which thousands of pounds worth of power tools have been stolen.
Wiltshire Council working hard to reduce overspend

Wiltshire Council has provided its second formal update of the 2024/25 financial year, which shows its previously forecasted overspending has reduced significantly.
Wiltshire's recycling collection to change from 2027

Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed its future approach to collecting recycling when its current contracts to carry out this service come to an end in 2026.
Salisbury based trains fitted with new anti-slip tech

A new initiative between Network Rail and South Western Railway has more than doubled the number of trains treating the railway and keeping the tracks leaf-free this Autumn.