Leicester Balloon Fest Faces Safety Backlash

An annual three-day hot air balloon festival has received approval to take place in Leicester's Victoria Park. Scheduled for June 19-21, the event will feature approximately 30 hot air balloons launching each day. This festival is anticipated to draw crowds of up to 10,000 visitors daily.

Leicester City Council's licensing committee granted permission for the festival following a February hearing. Concerns were raised by residents regarding potential health and safety issues, citing past difficulties with balloon launches in city parks, including unstable takeoffs and low flight paths. However, organizers stated their extensive experience running similar events in other locations ensures safety.

Showtime Events, the festival organizer, highlighted that pilots possess 20 to 30 years of experience and that safety is paramount. They confirmed that flights will not proceed if conditions are deemed unsafe. In response to community feedback, organizers have decided to exclude fireworks from the festival's attractions. They expressed a desire to collaborate with the local community and ensure a positive, recurring event for the town.