It’s all systems go for balloon festival
Ready to take flight
Final preparations are being made for the Strathaven Balloon Festival this weekend.
The popular annual event will begin with balloon launches at 6pm tomorrow (Friday, August 24) at John Hastie Park.
On the Saturday and Sunday, balloons will be launched at 6.30am and again at 6pm.
The Sky Masters from Skydive Strathallan will put on a display at 3pm on both days, and from 9pm on Saturday residents and visitors will be able to marvel at the spectacular evening glow.
Unlike many balloon gatherings, Strathaven Balloon Festival combines the magnificent sight of hot air balloons with their Saturday and Sunday fun days, so that there is something for all of the family to enjoy.
This year’s entertainment includes music, dancers, birds of prey, a fun fair, classic vehicles.
For a full list of events and times, the programme is available in local shops, priced at £2.
There is also a raffle for the chance to win a flight in a hot air balloon and other prizes.
Chairman of the balloon festival, Matthew Smith, reckons everyone is looking forward to the annual event.
He said: “It is always a cracking weekend. We are more or less organised, we are just putting the finishing touches to things, then we are good to go!
“The event attracts over 20,000 people over the weekend and there is something there for everyone. The festival has been running since 1999 and people come from all over to watch the fantastic display.
“We look forward to seeing everyone this weekend!”
Entry to the event is free. Visit www.strathavenballoonfestival. co.uk for more information. stalls and