A BRAND new event is coming to the UK this summer and has promised both an “exhilarating weekend” and “high-flying fun”.
The Northumberland Balloon Festival is due to take place for the first time in July, with hot air balloons taking to the skies in the north east for three days, along with several other ground-level attractions.
4
4
Similar festivals have proven to be popular throughout the UK, with Cheshire, Bristol, Yorkshire and London hosting their own hot air balloon-based events.
Earlier this year it was announced that 25 balloons will be heading to Tynedale Park in Corbridge, Northumberland this summer.
The festival will take place across three days and will have a family funfair, crowd performers, walking dinosaurs and live entertainment, as well as special hot air balloon displays.
Organiser Peter Richardson said that he’s hoping to replicate the success of some of the country’s other ballooning events.
He told ChronicleLive: “This is a brand new event which we’re putting on at Tynedale Rugby Club in Corbridge after seeing the stature of this event in other parts of the UK.”
One thing that won’t be on offer to attendees is balloon rides – however Peter said that’s something they’re considering doing next year.
He added: “This is a new concept for us, so we want to do what we can manage safely. We’ve made the decision that this year, customers can just come on site and watch.
“However, we’re looking to build this into a successful annual event and [rides] is something we’re going to aim to add in year two.”
The festival will be kicked off with a “night glow balloon show”.
Tynedale Rugby Club said: “As the sun sets, prepare to be amazed by our mesmerising Night Glow event, where the balloons light up the rugby club in a magical display.”
The rest of the festival will comprise of a 25-balloon show taking place on Saturday night, as well as a smaller balloon show being held on the Sunday.
Food and drink stalls will be serving throughout all three days of the festival, which promises to keep families entertained “all day long”.
A dedicated kids’ zone with face painting will be on site, while Derek the walking dinosaur will offer another fun element for youngster.
Derek will be joined by “awe-inspiring Transformers” that “come to life before your eyes” magic bunnies that perform tricks and a gigantic panda who kids can have photos with.
Three scenic train journeys you can take in the UK
Cornish Coast – One trip that rail enthusiasts seem to love is along a stretch of the Cornish coast and takes just 10 minutes to complete.
The route from St Erth to St Ives only stops at Carbis Bay en route to its final destination, but the views out the window for the whole journey are pretty spectacular.
Another highlight of the journey is that St Ives station is situated right next to Porthminster beach, meaning the sand and sea can be accessed almost immediately.
Meanwhile, the station is less than a ten minute walk into town, where the harbour, shops, galleries and pubs can be explored.
Durham to Edinburgh – Another train route that people in the UK love is the East Coast train line between Durham and Edinburgh, with coastal views and city landscapes among the sights that can be seen out the window.
Newcastle, Berwick, Lindisfarne and Durham Cathedral are all among the highlights on that route.
Scotland’s West Highland Line – While Scotland is home to plenty of famous landmarks and top attractions, it also has one of the most breathtaking train routes in the world.
Scotland’s West Highland Line has previously been dubbed the best rail journey in the world by Wanderlust – and it’s easy to see why.
The journey from Glasgow to Fort William is one of my favourite train routes – and I’ve interrailed through mainland Europe.
With mountain landscapes, serene lochs, wistful moors, and wildlife all visible through the train window, it’s certainly a route all holidaymakers should consider doing at least once.
Meanwhile, a host of tribute acts will be celebrating some of the biggest names in music, including Elton John, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake and Abba.
Organisers have said they’re targeting “the whole of Northumberland” and that people have already told them that they “can’t wait” to attend.
The Festival is due to take place between July 12 and 14 at the rugby club.
Tickets are on sale now and cost £5 for the Friday, £15 for the Saturday and £10 for the Sunday.
The event was first launched on Facebook, where a page revealed details of it earlier this year.
People from the area have been increasingly excited about it, leaving comments saying how much they’re looking forward to the festival.
One wrote: “This should be pretty spectacular!”
Another added: “This looks like loads of fun!”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Meanwhile, this music and beer festival is returning to a UK airport this summer.
And a legendary 90s dance group has reunited for a huge UK festival this year.
4