One of the UK's biggest and best hot air balloon events is set to return to Wiltshire at the historic Longleat estate. The 2024 Icons of the Sky event will take place at Longleat Safari Park from September 13 to 15 and will feature aeroplane acrobatics, iconic warplanes, helicopter displays, wing walkers, fireworks and the event's iconic night glow. The family-friendly event is in celebration of all things flight and is held in the same location where an early hot air balloon flight landed two centuries ago.
Pioneering balloonist George Graham - who was married to Margaret Graham, Britain's first female balloonist - took off in a hot air balloon from Bath in 1824 and landed in Longleat where he was greeted by the 2nd Marquess of Bath at the time. Longleat remains steeped in ballooning history and is now home to the 2nd Marquess' great, great, great, great-grandson. “Our 2024 event will be an air festival like Longleat has never seen before," said Scott Ashman, Longleat's head of operations.
"There are many new attractions, and we are looking forward to welcoming them all, especially the warbirds. “The legendary Spitfire and Tiger Moths will fly over the estate each day which will be an incredible sight to behold. “In addition, the festival will feature high-energy acrobatics, wing walkers, pyrotechnic air displays as well as our tethered morning balloon display and our night glow.
“All of this is on top of our usual fabulous entertainment for all the family." Wing wal.