Skip to content

Hot-air balloons take to the skies at festival

Alex McIntyreWest Midlands
News imageClaire Hartley A number of hot-air balloons take off in a field in the grounds of an estate. Several vehicles are parked underneath the balloons. A large hall can be seen in the distance.Claire Hartley
Dozens of hot-air balloons took to the skies at the Midlands Air Festival

Dozens of hot-air balloons have been taking to the skies over Warwickshire as the Midlands Air Festival returned for its eighth year.

Thousands of people flocked to the three-day event at Ragley Hall in Alcester, since it began on Friday.

More than 100 balloons were expected over the weekend, with organisers confirming 69 on Friday alone, while the expectant crowd also kept an eye out for the Red Arrows displays.

Other highlights include the cold war MiG 17F fighter jet from Poland and a French fire bomber dropping more than 3,000 litres (660 gallons) of water in four seconds.

Organisers previously said this year's event was focused on promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics to young people, while also celebrating women in aviation.

News imageClaire Hartley A large yellow hot-air balloon in the shape of a scarecrow, wearing a red and blue tie and a hat, floating in the air.Claire Hartley
Character-inspired hot-air balloons were among those at the festival
News imageClaire Hartley A number of colourful hot-air balloons in the air and on the ground in the middle of a field.Claire Hartley
There were 69 hot-air balloons on Friday alone, the event's organisers said
News imageClaire Hartley A solitary multi-coloured hot-air balloon hovers in the air. A partly-cloud covered blue sky can be seen behind it.Claire Hartley
More than 100 hot-air balloons were expected at the event
News imageClaire Hartley A number of hot-air balloons in the early-morning sky.Claire Hartley
The Midlands Air Festival was marking its eighth year
News imageClaire Hartley A solitary hot-air balloon hovers just above a number of tents in the grounds of of a country estate. The main building can be seen in the background.Claire Hartley
The three-day event has been taking place in the grounds of Ragley Hall in Alcester, Warwickshire

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

More on this story
Related internet links