Oswestry Balloon Carnival 2025 Takes Flight in Late Summer
The popular Oswestry Balloon Carnival returns this summer for a spectacular two-day festival of family fun, community spirit, and sky‑high entertainment. Taking place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August 2025 at Cae Glas Park, the carnival is organised jointly by Nightingale House Hospice, Oswestry Town Council, and Oswestry BID
Event Details
Dates & Opening Hours
Saturday 16 August: Opens at 6 am, runs through until 9:30 pm
Sunday 17 August: Opens at 6 am, closes at 7:30 pm
Location: Cae Glas Park, Oswestry town centre
Tickets: Free admission with no wristbands, though voluntary donations of £2 per person are encouraged, supporting Nightingale House Hospice
What to Look Forward To
Hot Air Balloon Flights – Weather permitting, upwards of 20 colourful balloons will take off early and evening across both days.
Saturday Night Glow – At around 9 pm on Saturday, tethered balloons will light up in a choreographed glow‑show synced to music, capping off the first evening with a magical display.
Family Entertainment – The carnival, set in award‑winning Cae Glas Park, will feature performances from local groups including Raptor Cheerleaders, Border Counties Gymnastics, The People’s Show Choir, interactive workshops, live music, football games with TNS Foundation, and even alpacas roaming the park.
Food & Craft Stalls – A lively marketplace of local food, beverages, and crafts will provide refreshments and shopping opportunities throughout the weekend
Getting There & Safety Info
Park & Ride Available from Smithfield Livestock Auction site:
Saturday: 10:30 am – 10 pm, Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm
£3 per car or £1 per foot passenger (aged 12+); bus riders receive a return wristband (though park entry remains subject to capacity)
Capacity Management – Should Cae Glas reach safe capacity limits, entry will be managed on a one‑in, one‑out basis
Flight Conditions – Balloon flights are weather‑dependent; the Festival Flight Director will confirm timings based on safety assessments
Voices from the Organisers
Adele Nightingale, BID Manager, expressed optimism for the event’s local impact:
“It’s great to partner up … to bring this family‑favourite event into the heart of the town … importantly, raises much‑needed funds for such a worthwhile charity as Nightingale House Hospice”
From Nightingale House Hospice, Elise Jackson added:
“The Oswestry Balloon Carnival is a highlight in our calendar … and the crucial funds it raises for the hospice.”
Summary
The 2025 Oswestry Balloon Carnival promises a vibrant blend of hot air balloon flights, night-time glow displays, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Cae Glas Park. With free admission, voluntary donations supporting a valuable local charity, and attractions galore, this year’s carnival is set to be a memorable weekend for Oswestry locals and visitors alike—weather permitting, of course.
For more information, travel tips, and event updates, visit the official Oswestry Balloon Carnival website or follow their social channels.
Sources/References
Nightingale House Hospice – Oswestry Balloon Carnival 2025
https://www.nightingalehouse.co.uk/event/oswestry-balloon-carnival/Oswestry Balloon Carnival – Official Website
https://www.oswestryballooncarnival.info/One Oswestry – Event Listing
https://www.oneoswestry.co.uk/event/oswestry-balloon-carnival-4/Visit Shropshire – What’s On: Balloon Carnival
https://www.visitshropshire.co.uk/whats-on/oswestry-balloon-carnival-2025/Oswestry Balloon Carnival – Transport & Parking Info
https://www.oswestryballooncarnival.info/transport-parkingWrexham.com – Balloon Carnival Returns to Oswestry
https://wrexham.com/news/spectacular-hot-air-balloon-fundraiser-returning-to-oswestry-this-summer-266935.htmlDiscover Oswestry – Balloon Carnival Overview
https://www.discoveroswestry.co.uk/oswestry-balloon-carnival/