THE skies of Oswestry will once again be filled with the sight of hot air balloons this summer, with the popular Balloon Carnival set to return.

Last year's event was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but following the government's recent announcement to lift lockdown measures, the carnival is planned to take place on August 21-22.

The event will also be the first face-to-face fundraising event for Nightingale House Hospice in 18 months, with the event being held in aid of the charity.

Weather permitting there will be an array of hot air balloons on display including impressive special shapes, as well as family entertainment and an eclectic mix of food stalls and returns to Cae-Glas Park, with the carnival atmosphere spilling over into the town centre where more entertainment and family fun will be on offer.

Sarah Povey, event organiser for Nightingale House said she was looking forward to what promised to be a 'great community event'.

"We are eager to start putting our plans in place, as we are confident that we will be able to go ahead with this year's event, following government guidelines," said Sarah. "This Oswestry Balloon Carnival will be incredibly special for everyone involved in fundraising for the hospice, as it will mark the first participant event for Nightingale House since early 2020.

"We hope that as always the public will support us and mark the date in their diaries as a great community event to look forward to."

Meanwhile, Mayor of Oswestry, Councillor Duncan Kerr added: "The Balloon Carnival is a spectacular event for Oswestry, and I and my fellow councillors are delighted to confirm our support for 2021."

Extra safety measures are being introduced this year because of the pandemic to ensure this year's family fun event can go ahead safely.

Adele Nightingale, Oswestry BID manager welcomed the boost to the town the event would provide, saying: "We are delighted to be supporting Oswestry Balloon Carnival again this year, this will be a real boost for the town's businesses and residents, as well as providing much needed funding for such a worthy course, Nightingale House."

And Lorna Hankey of balloon firm Spirit Operations added: "We are thrilled to be involved with this year's Oswestry Balloon Carnival and to be able to support the town and Nightingale House Hospice for another year with hot air balloon entertainment."

The Balloon Carnival event is also the inspiration behind Nightingale House's unique Build-A-Balloon Campaign, where supporters can sponsor a panel on a unique Nightingale-themed hot air balloon.

It is hoped the finished balloon, emblazoned with panels of images, illustrations, messages of love, good wishes and hopes and memories will take centre stage at this year's event.

To sponsor a panel on the Nightingale House Hot Air Balloon, reserve a spot at www.nightingalehouse.co.uk/event/build-a-balloon/

All profits generated from panel sponsorship will go towards patient care and family support at Nightingale House Hospice.