Soaraway balloon show has sky high price tag

The chairman of Strathaven Balloon Festival has lifted the lid on what it takes to keep the event flying.

Matthew Smith highlighted the effort that goes into making the popular annual event a success.

“This is the 20th anniversary so we are pulling out all the stops to make this year special,” he said.

“But year in and year out it wouldn’t happen without input from sponsors and volunteers.

“It costs between £20,000 and £25,000 to stage every year.

“And because of the current economic climate it is becoming increasingly difficult to get funding.

“If it wasn’t for the generosity of local businesses who sponsor us I am not sure where we would be,” added the dad-oftwo.

Matthew explained that there are huge cash outlays needed to keep the festival going.

“Balloon pilots come from all over, including some from Belgium, and we pay for their accommodation while they are here.

“We also pay for the gas used to fill the balloons and all of that runs to many thousands of pounds.”

The event attracts over 20,000 visitors to the town over the weekend and lots of local businesses rely on the annual event to provide much-needed revenue.

“The festival is such a popular attraction that no matter how tough it becomes to keep it alive, we are determined to do so,” said Matthew, 41.

“Entry is free to the festival and people sometimes suggest we ask for an admission fee to help with the costs – but that’s a road we would rather not go down.”

The Advertiser told last month how the future of the festival had been under threat because organisers, faced with a massive budget cut, needed £2500 to keep the 2019 event alive.

Thousands of balloonists and visitors were expected to flock to the event in John Hastie Park on August 23 and 24, marking the event’s 20th anniversary.

But people were left deflated when the festival looked set to pop under the pressure of mounting costs and park and ride difficulties.

However, refurbishment company Procast, based in the town, stepped in and handed over a cheque for the full £2500, saving the birthday bonanza.

On the big day this year the headline balloon, The Piper, is set to tower over the crowd at 160 feet high with more surprises on the cards for revellers.

There will also be loads of entertainment for everyone, including live music, face painting, bouncy castle and a display of classic cars.

Balloon flights are planned for 6am and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

And after 9pm on Saturday there will be an Evening Glow show when balloons will be slowly inflated in time to music.