Balloon festival lifts off

The balloons will feature different designs

Hot air balloons filled the skyline in north Wales, when enthusiasts from across the UK, took part in the annual Llangollen balloon festival on Saturday.

About 30 balloons participated in the event, which was scaled down last year because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Last year was difficult because of the farming crisis

Organiser Christine Legate-Baggs

Organiser Christine Legate-Baggs said the festival - which is based at the International Pavilion - was back on course.

"Last year was difficult because of the farming crisis but we were able to fly on the Newborough estate near Corwen because we were taking off and landing on the same land.

"However, we could not fly on the Llangollen Pavilion field which is where the event is normally held."

The event included balloon races, balloon tethering and dog agility demonstrations.

Organiser's lined up a special treat lined up for the farmers of Llangollen.

Chris Sanger-Davies will fly his balloon

"We're flying 25 local farmers and their families as a thank you because they have been so supportive to us," Ms Legate-Baggs said.

Chris Sanger-Davies has been flying balloons for 20-years.

He said the Llangollen festival was well organised: "It brings in a lot of spectators, it's a nice area to fly - it's just fantastic and we love it."

The highlight of the event took place during Saturday evening when the balloons glowed in the dark and moved to choreographed music.

The night finished with a fireworks finale.

Families have a great time here, people absolute adore the festival and most can't wait to get into a balloon

Organiser Christine Legate-Baggs

Ms Legate-Baggs has been organising festivals for several years.

She said there were some famous hot air balloons which took to the Denbighshire skies.

"We will have Bertie Bassett, the 155ft liquorice allsorts man and other commercial balloons too."

Weather forecasters predicted a sunny weekend but Christine said before the event they were not concerned if it rained.

"It's gusty at the moment but we think it will be fine, and if not, then we have contingency plans."

She said the activity is proving extremely popular: "Families have a great time here, people absolute adore the festival and most can't wait to get into a balloon."