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BBC News
a day ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Your guide to Oswestry Balloon Carnival
More than 20 hot air balloons are set to appear at a two-day event this weekend. The Oswestry Balloon Carnival is to take place in Cae Glas Park in the town on Saturday and Sunday. Organisers have advised the public, however, that the balloons' flight is "very weather dependent" and for updates, people should follow the carnival's social media pages. Admission is free, but those attending have been encouraged to consider a voluntary £2 donation to support Nightingale House Hospice, which provides specialist palliative care in parts of Wales and Shropshire. The family-friendly event is organised by the hospice, Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry BID (Business Improvement District). What is happening and when? Balloon launches are planned to take place from 06:00 and 18:00 BST on Saturday, and 06:00 BST on event is due to finish at 21:30 BST on Saturday and 19:30 BST on Sunday. Hot air balloons typically do not fly during the day, especially in the summer, because of "thermals and unstable air", organisers which are "columns of rising warm air caused by the sun heating the ground, make it difficult for pilots to control the balloon's altitude and direction".The "night-glow" is due to be held on Saturday at 21:00 BST and last for about half an hour, subject to flights are available to buy. Entertainment includes dance and choir performances, while around the field, activities include, on both days, circus workshops and a Punch and Judy show. Will the weather affect plans? While dry weather has been forecast for both days, balloons are only operational in approved weather conditions. The event flight director will give updates on flight conditions and balloon will be information on social media and organisers have encouraged people to follow these rather than getting in touch directly. How do I get there? A park and ride service will run from Oswestry Showground, with parking costing £3 per service will open at 10:00 BST. The first bus is to leave at 10:30, with buses running every half an hour. There will be a drop off/pick up point at Memorial last bus leaves Memorial Hall at 22: carnival's website also lists options including town centre parking and bus and train are Main Park Gates (Church Street), Willow Street and Welsh Wall are Main Gates, Willow Street, Welsh Walls (ramp only) or St said some transport services may be limited. Where will I find help? Volunteers will be based around Cae Glas Park to help with security and fire safety is being supplied. Anyone with issues is asked to go to the hospice stall by the park memorial gates or park green hut next to the are allowed, but they must be on a lead. Owners are asked to be mindful of their pet when balloon activity is happening as they could be startled by burners. There will be taps to keep dogs hydrated. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Leader Live
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Two-day Oswestry Balloon Carnival to return this month
Organised in partnership with Nightingale House Hospice, Oswestry Town Council, and Oswestry BID, the carnival will take place on Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, at Cae Glas Park. The event is free to attend and promises a vibrant weekend of entertainment for all ages, with visitors encouraged to make a voluntary donation of £2 on entry to support Nightingale House Hospice. Elise Jackson, events and campaigns manager at Nightingale House Hospice, said: "The Oswestry Balloon Carnival is a highlight in our calendar. "Not only does it bring people together, but it also raises crucial funds that enable us to continue our work across Wrexham, Flintshire, East Denbighshire, Barmouth and the border towns including Oswestry and Whitchurch. "We're incredibly grateful for everyone's support." In 2024, the carnival raised £37,000 for the hospice. Hot air balloons will be the main attraction once again, with early morning and evening launches planned throughout the weekend, weather permitting. The Saturday Night Glow will light up the park with a display of tethered balloons glowing in time to music. Entertainment will run from morning until evening on both days. Highlights include Tom Longton's Sheepdog Display, the Ferret World Roadshow and Ferret Fun Races. Visitors can also enjoy alpaca walkabouts and meet some friendly animals. On Saturday, Harley the Clown will entertain with balloon modelling, circus workshops and family-friendly fun. Sunday's programme features the Dinky Street pop-up play town, complete with themed zones like a veterinary clinic and campsite. Short Scruffs Theatre Co. will present their puppet show The Jump in the main arena, followed by circus skills sessions. Walkabout characters, live music and community performances will add to the atmosphere. Read more The weekend will wrap up with a drumming finale by Karamba Samba on Sunday afternoon. Organisers hope to match or exceed last year's fundraising total to continue supporting hospice services across the region. Full event details are available at
