CHESTER'S first ever Balloon Fiesta will take place next month, with 50 hot air balloons and a full star-studded schedule being announced for the event at Bolesworth Castle in Tattenhall.
The Fiesta will kick off on Friday 4 August, starting with an afternoon of family friendly entertainers including Justin Fletcher and Dick & Dom DJ Battle. The first mass balloon launch of the weekend will begin at 6:30pm, followed by the spectacular balloon night glow at 10pm. Subsequent mass balloon launches are planned for each evening across the weekend, weather depending.
In addition to the balloons, there is a musical line-up to entertain visitors across the weekend, with Megan McKenna, Boyzlife, Chris Moyles 90s Hangover and Heather Small, all taking to the stage on the Friday evening. Huge Party Band will kick off the musical performances on Saturday afternoon, followed by Gabrielle, Disco Classical and Sister Sledge who will close the evening.
The final day of the Fiesta, Sunday 6 August, promises to be another musical feast with Rak-Su, Phats & Small, Scouting for Girls, Ministry of Sound and The Vamps all performing, before the spectacular firework finale at 10pm.
The Fiesta will include meet and greet with balloon pilots, balloon tethering, arena entertainment including daredevil stunt shows, a large family funfair, food and drink village and walkabout entertainment.
Younger members of the crowd will also find Andy & the Odd Socks, from the CBBC hit show ‘Andy and the Band’, YolanDa’s Band Jam and Dick and Dom, and daily stage shows from famous TV characters, Bluey and Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol.
There will also be a range of free activities including meet and greets with Bluey and Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol, which must be booked online in advance and interactive entertainment with Cosmic Kids Yoga, Raver Tots Big Top, Roller Rink, ParentFolk and two craft tents featuring a range of fun and creative workshops such as ‘Pimp my Cookie’ and a ‘Story Corner’.
With camping available onsite, visitors will be able to stay for the entire three days to enjoy all the entertainment on offer.
Cheshire Balloon Fiesta Organiser, John Lowery, said: "As this year’s Cheshire Balloon Fiesta is our first ever Fiesta in the area, we are excited to be bringing a star-studded line-up to the stunning venue of Bolesworth Castle!
"We have an amazing three days of entertainment, musical acts and spectacular balloon displays planned and we are thrilled to be welcoming so many big names for our musical line-up. It is going to be a really special, unique experience for our visitors. We hope they will be able to relax, enjoy spending time with their family and friends, take advantage of the onsite camping and enjoy first-class entertainment all weekend."
Cheshire Balloon Fiesta have also teamed up with Tuned in Travel to get visitors to and from Bolesworth Castle, with daily shuttles buses running every 15 minutes from Chester Train Station.
Information about the event, including ticketing and travel arrangements can be found at: www.cheshireballoonfiesta.co.uk.
More information about Cheshire Balloon Fiesta is also available through Cheshire Balloon Fiesta’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
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