Fireworks and balloons mark Longleat anniversary

Hot air balloons, fireworks and aerial displays have filled the skies above Longleat to mark the safari park's 60th anniversary.

Celebrations at the Wiltshire attraction have been under way since Friday, with crowds gathering in their thousands to take in the sights.

Longleat opened six decades ago in 1966, and it has also been 50 years since the site hosted its first ever ballooning event.

Scott Ashman, head of operations at the safari park, said Saturday had been a "great second day" for the Icons of the Skies event.

As well as the hot air balloons, a number of other aerial displays including G Force Aerobatics and the RAF Falcons filled the skies above the park's stately home.

It was wonderful to welcome the RAF Falcons back for their high-intensity parachute display which was truly breathtaking," said Ashman.

"And to have the animals captured on film also watching the displays is quite incredible."

Longleat was the first safari park outside of Africa to open to the public. Today, the estate houses more than 120 species of critically endangered or vulnerable wild animals.

Sunday is the final day of celebrations marking the anniversary.

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