More than 100 balloons rose through the mist and over the Wiltshire countryside as Longleat’s Icons of the Sky 2024 event kicked off.

Icons of the Sky – from Friday, September 13 until Sunday, September 13 - features three days of flying spectaculars and balloon launches with highlights including flyovers by the Spitfire, high energy aerobatics, wing walkers and a pyrotechnic display.

Head of operations at Longleat, Scott Ashman, said: “Weather conditions were perfect for the flight this morning and we saw balloons of different colours and shapes take to the skies. We are looking forward to the air display later and the night glow which is set to music from across the eight decades Longleat House has been open.

READ MORE: Longleat Icons of the Sky 2024: Dates, times and how to get tickets

 

“The event is taking place all weekend and while there is good availability for today and Sunday, Saturday is close to selling out.”

The event marks 75 years of Longleat being open to the public.

The Estate will open from 7am each day.

Daily timings, which are subject to change due to weather conditions, are:

  • 07:15 - 09:00 - Mass hot air balloon ascent
  • 09:15 - 10:15 - Model hot air balloon display
  • 10:30 - 14:00 - Balloon tethering & meet the teams
  • 14:30 - 16:45 - Air display
  • 17:00 - 19:00 - Mass hot air balloon ascent
  • 19:45 - 20:00 - Pyrotechnic air display
  • 20:00 - 20:20 - Balloon night glow
  • 20:25 - 20:30 - Firework finale

Ten balloons, some shaped like coffee jars and dragons, used their burners to light up the grounds of the Wiltshire stately home in time to music on the evening of Thursday, September 12.

Hot air balloons take part in Thursday's Icons of the Sky night glow preview at Longleat. Hot air ballloons take part in Thursday's Icons of the Sky night glow preview at Longleat. (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA)

Scott Ashman, Longleat’s head of operations, added: “Our 2024 event will be a 21st century celebration of our heritage and pay homage to the history of flight.

“Part of this will be a fantastic show with music from across the decades. Tickets are flying out fast, so we’d urge people to pre-book online.

“We will be opening from 7am each day of the event so people can marvel at a sunrise mass balloon launch, and we will be closing at 8.30pm after the air display, pyrotechnic air display, night glow and more.

“There’s more than 12 hours of action-packed fun in one day ticket as all our attractions will be open throughout.”

Guests will be invited to rock through time from 1940s icon Glenn Miller through to Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Benson Boone’s 21st century classics during the three-day festival.

The night glows have been choreographed to a specially selected soundtrack which also include Satisfaction from the Rolling Stones who rocked the estate in 1964 and I’m Still Standing from Sir Elton John who appeared in 2016 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Safari Park opening.

A fireworks display was part of the Icons of the Sky opening event on Thursday evening.A fireworks display was part of the Icons of the Sky opening event on Thursday evening. (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA)

A firework finale is the last event of the day and finishes at 8.30pm.

Due to the aerial nature of the displays, some events may be postponed or cancelled if weather conditions aren’t suitable. 

To get your tickets, visit longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky.