Up, Up, and Away! The Best Hot Air Balloon Festivals to Visit in 2025

Brighton Hot Air Balloon Festival is where the seaside charm meets sky-high adventure! Set against the stunning backdrop of Brighton’s coastline, this vibrant festival fills the sky with a kaleidoscope of colourful balloons, creating a breathtaking spectacle over the South Coast. Whether you’re an early riser catching the magical morning ascension or staying late for the dazzling night glow, there’s excitement at every turn.

Beyond the balloons, visitors can enjoy live music, funfair rides, delicious street food, and plenty of family-friendly activities. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not take a tethered balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of Brighton’s iconic pier and beachfront? It’s the perfect mix of fun, thrills, and picture-perfect moments that make Brighton’s Balloon Festival a must-visit in 2025!

The Oswestry Balloon Carnival is a must-visit summer spectacle that fills the skies with dazzling colours and awe-inspiring sights!

Held in the heart of Shropshire, this vibrant event isn’t just about watching hot air balloons gracefully drift above – it’s a full-blown family-friendly celebration. From early morning balloon launches to the mesmerising night glow, where balloons light up in sync with music, the festival creates a magical atmosphere like no other. With live entertainment, street food stalls, craft markets, and even funfair rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, all proceeds go towards supporting the Nightingale House Hospice, making it a fantastic day out for a great cause.

Whether you’re snapping Instagram-worthy photos or simply soaking in the views, the Oswestry Balloon Carnival is guaranteed to leave you floating on air!

Northampton’s Balloon Festival is one of the UK’s most beloved hot air balloon events, having first start in 1989 to 2008, it stopped for 15 years! But luckily, they reintroduced this spectacular festival in 2023 and its been a beloved event since!

Held at The Racecourse, the festival attracts thousands of visitors and you’ll be able to witness the sky come alive with a stunning display of colourful balloons! Enjoy aa mixture of morning and evening balloon launches, thrilling night glow displays, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment!

Beyond the breathtaking views, visitors can enjoy funfair rides, live music, delicious food stalls, and craft markets, making it a fantastic day out for all ages. Whether you’re watching from the ground or taking to the skies for a balloon ride, Northampton’s Balloon Festival promises an unforgettable experience filled with adventure and awe-inspiring sights.

The Telford Balloon Fiesta is a sky-high spectacle that transforms the beautiful Telford Town Park into a colourful wonderland of floating balloons and family fun!

Each year, this incredible event draws crowds who gather to watch the mass balloon ascents, creating a breathtaking sight as dozens of hot air balloons soar over the Shropshire skyline. But the excitement doesn’t stop there – expect thrilling night glow displays, where balloons light up the night in a synchronised dance of colour and music, plus a fantastic lineup of live entertainment, street food, funfair rides, and activities for all ages.

The Telford Balloon Fiesta is a must-visit event for families, couples, and anyone who loves a bit of adventure in the skies!

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Chatsworth Estate in the heart of the Peak District, the Chatsworth Country Fair is a spectacular celebration of British countryside traditions – and one of its most magical highlights is the hot air balloon display!

As dawn breaks, a fleet of vibrant balloons takes to the sky, floating gracefully above the stately home and its stunning grounds. Whether you’re watching from below with a picnic in hand or lucky enough to take a ride for a bird’s-eye view, it’s a sight that will leave you in awe.

The festival itself is packed with exciting attractions, from thrilling equestrian performances and breathtaking aerobatic displays to artisan food markets and have-a-go activities for all ages. With its unique mix of grandeur and charm, the Chatsworth Country Fair offers a picture-perfect countryside escape – with a little added magic in the sky!

Longleat’s Icons of the Sky festival is where safari meets the skies in one of the UK’s most unique and breathtaking hot air balloon events!

Set against the backdrop of Longleat’s stunning stately home and wildlife park, this festival brings together a mesmerising collection of giant character balloons, dazzling special shapes, and classic hot air beauties. Imagine floating above lions, zebras, and rhinos as the sun rises or watching a spectacular night glow where balloons illuminate the sky in perfect harmony with music. With thrilling rides, delicious food stalls, and the chance to explore Longleat’s world-famous safari park, Icons of the Sky is the ultimate adventure for families and balloon enthusiasts alike.

Don’t forget your camera – this is one festival where the views are just as wild as the setting!