One of Scotland’s most spectacular events flies into town next weekend (August 28-30).
Set to draw more than 30,000 spectators to the idyllic market town of Strathaven in South Lanarkshire, the hugely popular Strathaven Balloon Festival promises an exciting weekend of launches, live music and fun family activities.
Scotland’s only hot-air balloon festival includes early-morning balloon launches, evening flights, a Saturday night balloon glow show, live music, fairground rides and food stalls.
The event was founded in 1999 by a group of local volunteers who wanted to create a major attraction for the town. It has since developed into Scotland’s only annual hot-air balloon festival and has attracted pilots and visitors from across the UK and Europe.
Balloons arrive on Friday, August 28 and, if the weather allows, there will be balloon flights on that evening, just after 6pm.
Plan an early rise on Saturday and Sunday morning with launches planned for 6am and later again in the evening at 6pm, weather permitting.
Parachutists from the Sky Masters display team are also scheduled to perform at around 4pm on both days if the weather holds out.
One of the highlights of the weekend will be the spectacular Evening Glow on Saturday, August 29. Balloons will be inflated and tethered inside the festival arena before their burners are fired in time with music. The dazzling display is due to begin shortly after 9pm.
Throughout Saturday and Sunday, from 12pm, there will be a whole host of entertainment in the park, including live music, a fun fair, stalls galore, classic vehicles and much more.
Drivers should follow temporary signs from the A71, A723 and A726 to the official park-and-ride sites. Parking costs £8 per car.
Parking restrictions will be in place on roads around the park, including Glasgow Road, Threestanes Road, Commercial Road and Lethame Road.
Entry to the festival is free and no ticket is required.
The festival is held at Strathaven Park, Glasgow Road, Strathaven, ML10 6LZ.