Status gives festival a lift

Balloon event becomes a charity

A new era for the Strathaven Balloon Festival is starting after the event was granted charity status.

Organisers hope the move for the annual event, which will this year run from August 26 to 28, will boost funding for the festival.

The committee see the charity status as a way to attract national and local sponsorship.

The festival has grown to become one of Strathaven’s premier events since it was founded in 1999, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

Gordon Mcallan, from the balloon festival organising team, said: “The volunteer team which plans, organises and manages the annual Strathaven Balloon Festival is delighted to announce that the festival has been successful in attaining Scottish charity status.

“This is a very important step in the development of our festival – unique in Scotland and internationallyrecognised – since its small beginnings in 1999.

“The festival has over that time become an integral part of Strathaven’s vibrant community year and provides an astonishing spectacle for those 20,000 spectators who now flock to see it. It’s a very enjoyable weekend for visitors of all ages and is a significant contributor to Strathaven’s economy.

“Scottish charity status endorses the team’s work and secures the constitutional management of the event.

“It will further encourage visitors and sponsorship from local and national businesses which support the festival.”

The team also said that new members have come forward to help shape next year’s festival.

The festival website at www. strathavenballoonfestival.co.uk will carry details of how to register to become friends.