It’s not long until the return of the Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta – and the full schedule has been announced.
The fun-filled family weekend will see more than 50 hot air balloons, music stars and TV entertainers on the Knavesmire on Friday 23 to Sunday 25 September.
It was revealed by the organisers that this will be the festival’s final year in York, due to a new allocated race day that falls on the same weekend as the event.
The new venue for 2023 has yet to be announced.
The event will kick off with YorkMix Radio – the official partners of Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta – taking to the stage at 3:30pm on Friday, with a spectacular mass balloon launch beginning at 4:45pm (weather permitting).
The iconic balloon night glow will also take place on Friday evening at 8:50pm. Subsequent mass balloon launches are planned for each morning and evening across the weekend.
In addition to the balloons, there is a star-studded musical performance line-up – with Scouting for Girls and Craig Charles appearing on the Friday evening.
York’s own Huge Party Band will be entertaining the crowds at 1pm on Saturday, and Gabrielle, Heather Small and Boyzlife are set to take to the stage on the Saturday evening.
Sunday promises another musical feast with the Howard Donald DJ Set and Symphonic Ibiza, before the spectacular firework finale at 8:10pm – which is the largest display in the city.
The line-up over the three days will also include acts suitable for the younger members of the crowd including Brainiac Live, Andy & the Odd Socks, and CBBC star YolanDa with her Big Jam Show.
Alongside the balloons, there will be plenty of family entertainment such as exciting displays, the UK’s largest transportable rollercoaster, a daredevil stunt show, the world’s largest obstacle course, and more.
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Balloon Fiesta organiser John Lowery said: “As this year’s Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta will be the last in York, we are excited to bringing exciting new additions to the Knavesmire, making it the best year yet!”
Advance ticket purchase is recommended with only limited numbers expected to be available on the day.
£1 from each ticket being split between three local charities: Yorkshire Air Ambulance, St Leonards Hospice and York Rescue Boat.
To see the full schedule and to book your tickets, visit the Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta website here.