A NEW partner has been announced to run Oswestry’s hot air balloon festival after previous operator Spirit withdrew.

Elevate Flights will be stepping in to replace Spirit Operations to oversee the event in the summer, which is funded and organised by Oswestry BID, Oswestry Town Council, and Nightingale House Hospice.

For seven years, Lee Hooper, Lorna Hankey, and their team at Spirit Operations, have played a key role in building up Oswestry Balloon Carnival, but will now be stepping down because of work commitments.

READ MORE:

Thanking Spirit Operations for their contributions over the years, Laura Parry, director of income generation at Nightingale House Hospice, paid tribute to Spirit.

She said: “On behalf of myself and the team at Nightingale House Hospice, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Spirit Operations for their involvement in establishing and developing the Oswestry Balloon Carnival over the past seven years which has raised more than £140,000 for patient care.

“To continue the tradition at the event, we are happy to have Elevate Balloon Flights on board to oversee the balloon operations.

READ MORE: Oswestry Balloon Carnival is another success in 2023

“This will enable visitors to continue enjoying the magnificent spectacle created by the hot air balloons.”

Luis Arias Eduardo, director of Elevate Balloon Flights, said the company was delighted to go from participants to organisers at an event they love.

He added: “We have flown at the carnival every year and have loved having a local event here in Oswestry.

“The event has been great for the town, who are always enthusiastic to see us, and landowners are very welcoming.

“Rainbow Balloon team members based in Oswestry have all stepped forward to support us in conjunction with the team at Elevate Balloon Flights, who hope to be offering flights to the public from the event.

“Here’s to a great event!”

Taking place on August 17 and 18 at Cae Glas Park, Oswestry Balloon Carnival is set to have a large array of hot air balloons with launches throughout the weekend, weather permitting, along with family fun activities, entertainment, and refreshments.

Elise Jackson, events and campaigns manager at Nightingale House Hospice, shared her excitement for the event.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

She said: “We are thrilled to unveil our exciting plans for the 2024 event.

“Get ready for breath-taking balloon displays, thrilling entertainment, and unforgettable experiences for all the family.”

For more information, please get in touch with rachelle.mclachlan@nightingalehouse.co.uk