Skyward Spectacles: The Midlands Air Festival 2024

The Midlands Air Festival is an amazing event that’s set to return with a BANG – providing. nothing but excellent family fun! From soaring hot air balloons and dazzling fireworks to turbulent displays of aircraft shows! Not to mention you can see a whole range of model aircraft!

It’ll definitely transfix just about anyone! From grandparents and toddlers to even teenagers, with their eyes on the skies and as one of the UK’s most anticipated air events – it has something for every family member to enjoy.

This fantastic 3-day Midland Air Festival will be held at Ragley Hall Estate in Warwickshire at the end of May!

It’s time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of summer! From the warm summer air and gentle breeze to spending quality time with your family. And what’s a better way to enjoy a fun-filled family day out than at the Midlands Air Festival?!

At the end of May going into June,  you can gaze your eyes at the sky as you watch some spectacular show-stopping and special shape balloons soar high, mind-blowing displays or aerial tricks and a massive firework display at the end too! Plus, with beautiful surroundings, you could be a part of one of the largest gatherings of hot air balloons in the UK!

Let’s get into what you can witness this year:

Prepare to be amazed as the festival showcases some of the best aerobatic performers in the world with some truly awe-inspiring aerial displays that you’ve never seen before!

The sky will burst into life with the roar of engines and the swoosh of aeroplanes performing flips, rolls, and loops. Highlights include Warbirds, classic jet fights, helicopters and the world-famous Red Arrows, displaying their jaw-dropping manoeuvres and precision flying.

It’s not just about the speed and stunts; the grace of vintage aircraft from bygone eras adds a touch of nostalgia to the breath-taking air displays.

As the day unwinds, the festival takes a more serene turn with the enchanting sight of hot air balloons.

Picture dozens of colourful balloons ascending at dusk during the magical balloon glow event, where illuminated balloons light up the evening sky to the delight of all present. For many families, this becomes the backdrop for unforgettable photographs and lifelong memories.

Did you know this hot air balloon festival will feature the largest display of special shape character hot air balloons in Europe?! There will be over 40 characters and shapes to discover! From Sonic the Hedgehog and Thomas the Tank Engine to Rupert the Bear and all sorts of animal characters.

There will be a total of 5 hot air balloon mass ascents and over 100 rainbow-coloured balloons taking to the sky! From a morning launch to an evening display (weather permitting), it’ll be a jam-packed day of sky-high excitement!

Beyond watching the skies, children can engage in numerous hands-on activities. From model aircraft building workshops to interactive science shows, the festival goes above and beyond to ignite the imaginations of its younger attendees. These activities are not only fun but educational, providing kids with insights into the science of flight.

Plus, you all can wander along and gawp at the impressive scale model displays!

Friday night will end with a bang, with an impressive display of beautiful and colourful fireworks illuminating the night sky!

But do you think that’s it? Of course not! After the fireworks, the nightglow balloons will float into the sky, they’ll provide a fantastic fire dance alongside music! There will be 20 of them, to be exact!

It’s the perfect weekend festival for the whole family to experience and enjoy!

Don’t want to miss out? Book your tickets now and look forward to the end of the month!

Visiting the Midlands Air Festival is a breeze when you’re well-prepared. Here are some tips to ensure your family has the best experience:

• Timing is Everything: Arrive early to secure good viewing spots, particularly for the air shows and balloon events, as these are the festival’s main attractions.
• Pack for Comfort: Be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and comfortable seating like folding chairs or blankets. Even a few umbrellas can be handy in case of a typical British sudden shower.
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: There are plenty of food vendors at the festival, offering everything from quick snacks to full meals. However, packing extra water and snacks can keep the little ones happy between meals.
• Safety First: With large crowds expected, agree on a meeting point in case anyone gets separated from the group. Also, keep an eye on weather updates, as air shows can be affected by bad weather.