Mark your calendars for a weekend of colour, laughter, and sky-high excitement as the Oswestry Balloon Carnival 2025 returns to Cae Glas Park on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August. Organised in partnership with Nightingale House Hospice, Oswestry Town Council, and Oswestry BID, this much-loved event is bursting with entertainment and unforgettable experiences for all ages.
While the awe-inspiring hot air balloons remain the iconic centrepiece of the carnival, the weekend offers so much more than just balloon flights. Expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music, interactive displays, spectacular performances, and exciting activities, all set within a beautiful park in Oswestry.
If the weather plays fair, visitors can witness an array of colourful hot air balloons taking to the skies during early morning and evening launches across the weekend. One of the most anticipated moments of the event is the Saturday evening ‘Night Glow’, where tethered balloons light up the park in a magical choreographed display set to music, a truly enchanting sight.
The carnival delivers a wide range of family-friendly attractions and performances to keep the crowds entertained from morning till evening.
Tom Longton’s Sheepdog Demonstration is sure to draw a crowd, showcasing his remarkable skill and humour as he works his dogs with ducks, geese, and sheep. Children especially love watching the ducks, who often seem to have minds of their own!
Animal lovers can also enjoy the Ferretworld Roadshow, where ferret fans of all ages can learn about these fascinating creatures and even take part in the ever-popular Ferret Fun Race, racing against the furry competitors through specially designed tunnels.
If you fancy meeting something a little fluffier, alpaca walkabouts are another charming attraction, giving visitors the chance to get up close to these gentle animals throughout the weekend.
On Sunday, the younger visitors are in for a treat with the Dinky Street pop-up play town, with 10 unique play corners inspired by real-life settings like a veterinary clinic and a campsite. Dinky Street creates a Montessori-inspired space where imaginations run wild, and creativity takes centre stage.
There will be plenty of live music and community performances, as well as appearances from walkabout characters, adding to the buzzing atmosphere in the park.
Harley the Clown (Saturday only) will be bringing the giggles with his circus workshops, balloon modelling, and his signature family-friendly clown show.
Sunday brings the Short Scruffs Theatre Co. to the main arena with their hilarious puppet show, The Jump. With circus chaos, silly antics, and three quirky characters, Felicity the flea, Gary the grasshopper, and Gloria the goose, all competing to become the new star acrobat, this laugh-out-loud show is not to be missed. Short Scruffs will also be offering circus skills workshops for budding performers.
The weekend concludes with a bang as Karamba Samba, a high-energy samba drumming band from Chester, takes to the stage to deliver a rhythmic finale that promises to get the whole park dancing.
While admission to the Oswestry Balloon Carnival is free, attendees are encouraged to make a voluntary donation of £2 on entry, in support of Nightingale House Hospice. In 2024, the event raised a fantastic £37,000 for the hospice, helping to provide vital care and support to patients and families in their catchment area.
Elise Jackson, Events and Campaigns Manager at Nightingale House, said: “The Oswestry Balloon Carnival is a highlight in our calendar. Not only does it bring people together, but it also raises crucial funds that enable us to continue our work in the community. We’re incredibly grateful for everyone’s support.”
Whether you’re watching balloons drift across the sky, dancing to samba beats, racing a ferret, or simply enjoying a family picnic in the park, the Oswestry Balloon Carnival 2025 promises a weekend to remember.
Find out more and plan your visit at: oswestryballooncarnival.info
