Great Balloon Race switches Wiltshire venue and moves to August

Organisers of next month’s Great Balloon Race Extravaganza have moved the event from Bowood House to Malmesbury’s Charlton Park Estate – and given it a new summer date.

Originally scheduled for July 2-4, the event will now be held on August 13-15.

It had been hoped that the event would be able to go ahead at Bowood House next week, but organisers reviewed the prospect of hosting the event successfully in the wake of the Government’s decision to not end lockdown restrictions and decided it wasn’t feasible, so opted to change the dates.

Bowood House’s packed agenda meant it was unable to host the Great Balloon Race on its new dates, which has resulted in moving to Charlton Park.

The event will feature the same dazzling line up of aerial acts, balloons and displays, while it will also feature the Ibiza Classics Orchestra.

Ticket holders for the Bowood House date have been contacted and will be issued new tickets for the August dates. The organisers will refund ticket holders who are unable to make the new dates.

Great Balloon Race Extravaganza event director Adam Faulkner said: “This has been a very difficult decision. We have assessed the current situation in light of the Government’s decision last week and feel this is the only option.

“We had hoped to remain at Bowood House, but it is a very popular venue and has other commitments. However, we have worked with Wiltshire Council and found an equally stunning location in Charlton House.

“We appreciate that the new dates and location may not be suitable for everyone, so people who have tickets but are unable to attend should contact us to arrange a refund.”

Faulkner is optimistic that the new location will attract attendees from Bristol and the surrounding area after its annual balloon festival was cancelled for the second successive year.

The Great Balloon Race Extravaganza includes a daredevil paramotor display by the Sky Rascals and a breath-taking Sky Dance from a 100ft crane by Incandescence.

Each evening ends with a headline set from a 90s UK chart act before a dynamic fireworks display.

For those with a head for heights, balloon flights are also available with prices starting from £325 for an individual on a shared flight, £950 for a couple and up to £1,650 for a party of six.

The event organisers have also put in place socially distanced measures to ensure the event is as safe as it is enjoyable.

This includes allocated plots for a maximum of six people, hand sanitiser stations, a ‘click & collect’ food and drinks service – via an event app - and additional toilet facilities.

There are three options of plots available, standard, premium and VIP with prices ranging from £65 to £240.

For more information and contact details go to https://greatballoonrace.co.uk/