Up, up and away at balloon show (From This is Hampshire)

Up, up and away at balloon show

2:00pm Thursday 29th July 2010 in

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PLENTY of hot air and a giant smoking dragon will be on show when Balloons over Basingstoke takes place in just over a week.

The sky should be awash with colour when the three-day event, organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, returns for its 15th year at the War Memorial Park from Friday, August 6 to Sunday, August 8.

And to mark the occasion, the hot air extravaganza will play host to the world’s largest special-shaped balloon – a smoke-breathing dragon!

The balloon, owned and operated by logistics company Palletways and designed and built by Linstrand Balloons, will attempt an altitude challenge next month from a secret location in London to beat the existing 20,000ft world record for non-conventional shaped balloons.

A number of test flights are planned in preparation for this, including a visit to Balloons over Basingstoke.

The spectacular-looking balloon is taller than an eight-storey building and twice as high as The Globe Theatre on London’s South Bank.

It also boasts a 44-metre-long tail – longer than five double-decker buses parked end to end.

It is the only operational balloon to have a completely glass-bottomed basket for the ultimate view. But this won’t be the only attraction over the three days.

The event will get under way on Friday, August 6, with the spectacular Nightglow. Compered by Heart FM, the Nightglow will feature an eye-catching show of glowing balloons choreographed to music with lasers and pyrotechnics.

The activities will continue on Saturday and Sunday with an impressive line-up of fun and entertainment for all the family, set against a backdrop of tethered balloons.

Breathtaking arena acts will include motorbike jumps from East Coast FMX, falconry displays from the English School of Falconry and daredevil stunts from The Stannage International Stunt Team.

At 6am and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday – weather permitting – mass balloon launches will take place for people to enjoy and admire.

Councillor Cathy Osselton, Cabinet member for housing, health and culture, said: “We are honoured and delighted to be welcoming the world’s largest special-shaped balloon to Balloons over Basingstoke this year.

“This, alongside the many other balloons attending, will, once again, ensure a spectacular sight for visitors to the event. As with previous years there will be plenty of free entertainment for all the family throughout all three days, and we are looking forward to having some excellent flying weather.”