Two centuries after a pioneering hot air balloon flight landed at Longleat, the historic Wiltshire estate is launching a spectacular new aerial event, Icons of the Sky from 13 - 15 September.
Celebrating not only hot air balloons but other legendary forms of flight, the inaugural event will also feature warbirds – a Spitfire and Tiger Moths, plus high energy aerobatics, helicopter displays, wing walkers and much more.
The 2024 air festival from 13-15 September boasts formation flying, pyrotechnics in the air as well as the iconic night glow and a firework finale has been introduced.
Image: Icons of the Sky wingwalkers, credit Martyn Foss
The Longleat collections team discovered a newspaper cutting which shows in 1824, pioneering balloonist George Graham – who was married to Margaret, Britain’s first female balloonist – landed a balloon in Longleat after taking off from Sydney Gardens in Bath.
He was greeted by the young sons of the 2nd Marquess of Bath at the time but turned down refreshments to meet a welcoming committee in neighbouring Frome.
Longleat is now home to the 2nd Marquess great, great, great, great grandson, the 8th Marquess and his family and this year’s festival pays homage to the history of flight.
Scott Ashman, Longleat’s Head of Operations, said: “Our 2024 event will be an air festival like Longleat has never seen before.
“There are many new attractions, and we are looking forward to welcoming them all but of note will be the presence of the warbirds.
“The legendary Spitfire and Tiger Moths will fly over the estate each day which will be an incredible sight to behold; for many people it will be the first time they have had the opportunity to see them fly.
“In addition, the festival will feature high energy acrobatics, wing walkers, pyrotechnic air displays as well as our tethered morning display of balloons and traditional night glow when the different shapes appear to be dancing to the music,” he added.
Image: A Spitfire in flight
Among the tethered balloons will be family favourites Rupert the Bear, Thomas the Tank Engine, Elii the Elephant, Michelin Man and two dogs Buster and Bella, making their first appearance at Longleat.
In addition, dozens of balloons are expected to take to the air for twice daily flights – weather permitting.
“All of this is on top of our usual fabulous entertainment for all the family as tickets also include our drive though Safari Park, walk through Animal Adventure, Longleat railway and boat ride on the lake,” says Scott Ashman.
The estate will open from 7am for Icons of the Sky and timings, which are subject to change, are:
07:15 - 09:00 Mass Ascent
09:15 - 10:15 Model Balloon Display
10:30 - 14:00 Tethering & Meet the Teams
14:30 - 16:45 Air Display
17:00 - 19:00 Mass Ascent
19:45 - 20:00 Pyrotechnic Air Display
20:00 - 20:20 Night Glow
20:25 - 20:30 Firework Finale
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