THOUSANDS of people enjoyed the sight they had all come to see as balloons of all colours and sizes took to the skies at this year’s Balloons over Basingstoke.

Crowds flocked to War Memorial Park for the 14th annual hot air extravaganza packed with balloons, activities and attractions.

The three-day event got underway in spectacular fashion on Friday night with the impressive Night Glow, featuring seven tethered balloons which were lit up by their burners in time to music.

The eye-catching show featured lasers and fireworks and was compered by Heart FM.

Trisha Connolly, of Begonia Close, in Kempshott, Basingstoke, took her two daughters, Amber, 15, and Sian, 13, to the show. Mrs Connolly said: “It was absolutely brilliant. Once the show got going, with the fireworks and the music, it was a fantastic atmosphere.”

Mass balloon launches took place throughout the weekend, although the Saturday morning launch had to be abandoned due to rain, and the evening launch involved only one test balloon.

During the weekend, there was an impressive line-up of fun and entertainment for all the family. Against a background of tethered balloons, breathtaking arena acts included the motorcycle stunt show, the Jason Smyth Adrenaline Tour, mountain bike stunts from Team M.A.D and the Hawk Experience Eagle and Vulture Show.

Other attractions included street theatre, a funfair, side stalls, inflatables, a Formula 1 simulator and a petting zoo from Miller’s Ark Animals.

The event drew to a close with a final mass balloon launch on Sunday evening for people to enjoy and admire.

Andy Grove, events officer at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council – which organises the popular event – said: “People come for the balloons, and we only had to scrap one launch because of the weather. One of the balloons even made it as far as Surrey, and we’re very pleased with the success of the event.”

Councillor Keith Chapman, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cabinet member for sport and leisure, said: “We anticipate over 40,000 visitors attended Balloons over Basingstoke this year.”