INFLATION GOING UP
Pilot Claire Westwood of Huddersfield is pictured in the canopy of a hot air balloon called Thunderbolt at the Knavesmire in York as the city hosted a festival of ballooning. The event saw balloons take to the skies before poor weather put an early stop to the fun.
FLIGHTS AT York’s first balloon festival were cancelled yesterday afternoon due to adverse weather conditions.
The festival’s director decided to cancel any planned flights due to strong winds, a low cloud base and occasional rain showers.
Oliver Webb said: “Of course it’s disappointing but I hope people understand the reason for it. It’s just not safe.”
The skies above York Racecourse were transformed on Friday and Saturday as the city welcomed its first hot air balloon festival, sponsored by TalkTalk Ultra Fibre Optic Broadband.
The Balloon Fiesta held at The Knavesmire was the first of its kind in Yorkshire.
A total of 50 hot air balloons, from all across the UK, flew across York while a fun packed festival-style weekend took place below.
The skies above York were lit up with a dazzling Ultra Fibre Optic Night-Glow performance on Saturday evening.
Attractions other than balloons at the weekend event included a funfair with Victorian-inspired rides, live music, a beer tent, street food stalls and a bird flying show.
Meanwhile, bookmakers have cut the odds on this month being the wettest October on record, with the month beginning with heavy rain and strong to galeforce winds.