Oxford Balloon Fiesta
May 8 - 9, 2005

Up, up and away in my beautiful balloooooooon! Anyone, no matter what age they are can't help but point out a hot air balloon and say 'ooh' when one of those bizarre contraptions flies overhead. Some of us have even gone so far as to go up a few feet in a balloon that is still tethered to the ground at a May Day fayre or some such community event. Very few of us however have actually clambered in to that basket and soared over the countryside, which perhaps is why we're so fascinated by it all.

The annual Oxford Balloon Fiesta, therefore, is just the sort of thing to get everyone out in to the open air. A celebration of this most bizarre method of getting off the ground, literally hundreds of hot air balloons take to the air over Cutteslowe Park to welcome in the summer and give everyone in the area a good reason to shake off the winter cobwebs and get in to the fresh air.

Several mass balloon launches take place throughout the fiesta (the record was thirty six balloons all launched at once) and for just one weekend the sky is filled with these odd contraptions as ballooners from all over the world make the most of the season.

In addition to the spectacular balloon displays, which take place well in to the night for wonderfully spectacular light displays and fireworks (we can't help but think that this combination could spell disaster but, thankfully it works out every year), there are several other things going on to keep all the family amused throughout the event.

Craft markets selling fantastic food and drink as well as gifts and souvenirs have something to get everyone reaching for their purse while sports demos, from skating to mountain biking will keep even the grumpiest of teens away from their PS2s.

Oxford Balloon Fiesta
May 8 - 9, 2005