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City Festival Sparks Safety Fears
19 Feb
Summary
- Residents fear hot air balloons may drift over homes and roads.
- A three-day festival in Victoria Park is proposed for June.
- Organizers assure pilots are experienced and flights need safe weather.
Plans for a three-day hot air balloon festival in Leicester's Victoria Park have drawn objections from local residents concerned about public safety. The proposed event, scheduled for June, would involve approximately 30 hot air balloons taking off twice daily, with applications also including fireworks, a funfair, live music, and alcohol sales.
Neighbors fear that the balloons could drift dangerously close to residential properties and public roads. Concerns were raised about balloons struggling to gain altitude and being blown towards homes and trees. The applicant, Show Time Events Group Ltd, has stated that all pilots are highly experienced, possessing 10 to 15 years of ballooning expertise. Flights will not proceed if weather conditions are deemed unsafe.
Additional objections have been lodged regarding potential noise pollution from the festival, which is expected to attract up to 10,000 visitors per day. The city council's noise team has requested a detailed noise management plan, specifying that music levels should not exceed 65 decibels. A decision on the festival's license is anticipated next week, with the committee having the option to approve, modify, or reject the application.
