The skies above Longleat will be filled with the spectacular sight of dozens of hot air balloons as part of a brand new ‘Sky Safari’ extravaganza later this month.
The event, which is an extra bonus for day visitors to the park, is being supported by Exclusive Ballooning and is the latest in a year-long series of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Longleat Safari Park.
To honour this historic milestone, up to 50 balloons, one for each year the safari park has been open, will be launching into the air on the 16th, 17th and 18th September.
Over the three-day period a sky-full of hot air balloons in a variety of shapes and sizes, including Longleat’s very own ‘flying lion’, will be making a series of mass ascents into the sky above the Wiltshire Estate between sunrise and sunset.
Among the other confirmed attendees will be Puddles and Splash, a pair of cute penguin-shaped balloons, who will be 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 will also be lit up by a very special celebratory night glow event with the balloons firing up their burners to musical accompaniment.
As with all activities involving hot air balloons, elements of the festival will be weather dependant and are subject to change at short notice.
Longleat’s Lesley Marsh said, “We’re delighted to be able to share this extra special event with our visitors as part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations.
“We are extremely proud of our new lion balloon and it will be extraordinary to see him take to the skies in the company of a mass of other inflatables in every imaginable shape and size.
“Everyone is particularly looking forward to the night glow event on the Saturday when each of the balloons will fire off their burners in time to the music to create a magical performance for visitors to enjoy,” she added.
In addition to the early morning and dusk launches on Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will also be a series of tethered ascents taking place from 10am-midday and 2pm-4pm on all three days.
The night glow event is due to take place from 7.30pm – 8pm on the Saturday.
There will also be an exclusive preview event for Longleat Annual Pass Holders only on Thursday, September 15th.
Admission to the event is free with a valid day ticket, however advance online booking is recommended as it is likely to prove very popular. Visit
www.longleat.co.uk/whats-on/sky-safari for details or call 01985 844400.
