Price to pay for balloon festival

The festival always attracts large crowds

People visiting a balloon festival in a Northampton park will be charged an entrance fee for the first time in its 17-year history.

The festival on the Racecourse attracts thousands of visitors each year and has always been free to get in.

This year there is a £4 charge for adults, with children and under-16s getting in free.

After a consultation period Northampton Borough Council decided on the charge to help the festival pay for itself.

Councillor Brendan Glynane said: "It's well known that the council found itself in an extremely difficult situation regarding our budget this year and hard decisions had to be made.

"During the consultation period the people of Northampton made it very clear they didn't want this town to lose the Balloon Festival.

"Charging a small admission fee for adults will help the Balloon Festival pay for itself rather than diverting funds from our priority services."

The festival begins on Friday and continues through the weekend with more than 70 hot-air balloons taking part.