In two weeks time when you look to the skies above Durham City, it will be awash with brightly coloured balloons. The horizon will be lit up with hot air balloons galore as a weekend of spectacular bank holiday family fun comes to Durham.
One of my favourite holiday experiences ever was taking a flight in hot air balloon across the Masai Mara in Kenya. I'm also always very jealous of one of my favourite British Cities - Bristol with their fabulous annual balloon festival. So I was very excited when I heard the news that Durham was to get its own balloon festival here in the northeast.
One of my favourite holiday experiences ever was taking a flight in hot air balloon across the Masai Mara in Kenya. I'm also always very jealous of one of my favourite British Cities - Bristol with their fabulous annual balloon festival. So I was very excited when I heard the news that Durham was to get its own balloon festival here in the northeast.
We preview the festival that will run from dawn to dusk with everything you need to know about Balloons InDurham.
What is Balloons InDurham?
A brand-new festival, Balloons InDurham promises to be like nothing we’ve ever seen before. Balloons InDurham is a hot air balloon festival taking place at locations in Durham during the May half term period. It will start on Friday 26th May with an early evening hot air balloon launch from East Durham College’s Houghall Campus.
When is Balloons InDurham?
It is a 4-day event over the late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 26 May until Monday 29 May 2017.
It is a 4-day event over the late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 26 May until Monday 29 May 2017.
Where is Balloons InDurham taking place?
It is taking place in Durham in North East England. There are two main locations. East Durham College Houghall Campus on the outskirts of the city; as well as Palace Green in the city centre from where you can watch the balloons rise over magnificent Durham Cathedral.
How much does Balloons InDurham cost?
This is a free event for residents and visitors alike.
What about parking?
A one-day parking permit at East Durham College Houghall Campus will cost £5 and will allow access in and out all day. No need to book, the parking fee is payable on the day in cash.
What shouldn't you miss?
A highlight will be a Balloon Glow which will see illuminated balloons rise into the sky from 9.30pm on Saturday, May 27 at East Durham College Houghall Campus.
Is there a programme of events at Balloons InDurham?
Of course ... and here it is...
Friday 26th May
- 6.30-7.30 pm - Mass Balloon Launch, East Durham College Houghall Campus
Saturday 27th May
- 6.30-7.30 am - Mass Balloon Launch, East Durham College Houghall Campus
- 1-3 pm - Balloon Tethers, Palace Green, Durham City
- 1-4 pm - Balloon Tethers, East Durham College Houghall Campus
- 6.30-7.30 pm - Mass Balloon Launch, East Durham College Houghall Campus
- 9.30-10.15 pm - Night Glow, East Durham College Houghall Campus
Sunday 28th May
- 6.30-7.30 am - Mass Balloon Launch, East Durham College Houghall Campus
- 1-3 pm - Balloon Tethers, Palace Green, Durham City
- 1-4 pm - Balloon Tethers, East Durham College Houghall Campus
- 6.30-7.30 pm - Mass Balloon Launch, Mass Balloon Launch, East Durham College Houghall Campus
- 8.30-10 pm - Illuminated Tethers, Palace Green, Durham City
Monday 29th May
- 6.30-7.30 am Mass Balloon Launch, East Durham College Houghall Campus.
Does it depend on the weather?
Yes, like any outdoor event all of the events timetabled above are weather-dependent and subject to change at short notice. Please keep an eye on the Durham BID website and social media channels for real-time updates during the course of Balloons InDurham.Have fun!
Have you been to a Balloon Festival?
Deb x
17 Comments
never been to a balloon festival and this looks like great fun. Unfortunately we are away in the lakes camping that weekend otherwise it would have been on the bank hol list!
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to hope it returns next year x
DeleteI actually cannot wait for this - I think there's going to be loads of stunning photographs taken!
ReplyDeleteI know - think it will look amazing x
DeleteOh wow I think I'm going to suggest a trip to see this! I love a hot air balloon and I'm sure my girls will too. Thank you for the info ox
ReplyDeleteI love seeing hot air balloons floating across the sky :) I wish they'd do something like this near me so I could take the kids
ReplyDeleteMaybe one day ...
DeleteThis looks brilliant! My brother and his wife live in Durham. I'm not planning a trip again for a few months or I would make it along to this as it looks like a really fun time out. x
ReplyDeleteI think lots of people are looking forward to it x
DeleteI cant wait for this - so excited for it and although we will be able to see from our house we are going up to the cathedral for the day!
ReplyDeleteWow from your house - so lucky x
DeleteOh wow!!!! I miss the balloon show in Southampton! I remember all the Bertie Bassett shaped ballooons! X
ReplyDeleteBertie Basset sounds a cool balloon x
DeleteI've put this in my diary, should be fantastic!
ReplyDeleteHope it is x
DeleteLove this! Have always wanted to go to the Bristol one! Hope I can take my nephew! I went to a Kite Festival last year in Beverley, but balloons are my favourite! :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun x
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