Watch as hundreds of hot air balloons fill the skies this coming August bank holiday weekend. Only a stone’s throw from Birmingham, the annual Telford Balloon Fiesta (Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30) looks to lighten up Shropshire with night glows, aerial displays and a community carnival—and you can visit for free!
Once again in the heart of Telford Town Park’s QEII Arena, Saturday and Sunday will start and end with spectacular balloon flights (6 am and 6 pm). In between (12 to 7 pm), discover an exciting line-up of flight-themed activities, including the Wings Parachute Team drops and gravity-defying displays from the Stanage Stunt Team.
You’ll also find balloon tethering demonstrations, aerial displays, live music and a KidsZone. Plus, if you swing by on Sunday, August 30, the QEII Arena and across Southwater will also host the Telford Community Carnival Day—with a parade and community showcase, alongside dance performances and drop-in workshops.
What about the Night Glow?
While Telford Balloon Fiesta is mostly free, Friday’s iconic Night Glow does require a ticket. The incredibly popular event is bursting with stage shows, live acts, and the breathtaking glow of illuminated balloons set to music—ensuring Telford Balloon Fiesta starts with a bang!
Tickets are only £2.50 for an adult and £1.50 for a child, but they always sell out, and can be purchased here.
How do I get to Telford?
You can get a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Telford Central that takes less than 40 minutes. From here, you can either walk to QEII Arena in 20 minutes or hop in a short taxi. If you’d rather drive, it will take less than an hour, via the M54. Just follow the postcode: TF3 4EH.
