Crowds gather for balloon glow event

The Canowindra Challenge Balloon Glow is expected to draw thousands of people to the Canowindra sports complex on Saturday night

The Balloon Glow features 15 brightly coloured hot air balloons lighting up to music, and has become one of the largest events in regional NSW.

Challenge chairman Arthur Falconer said crowd numbers were expected to be between 8000 and 10,000 people.

“Around 7pm, the balloons will be set up in a semi-circle and light up,” he said.

“The flames will flash in time to music. There will be didgeridoo music, classical and general music playing.”

The show will last for about 10 to 15 minutes, and Mr Falconer says it has been one of the best years for the challenge yet.

“It’s a grand finale to the night. It’s such a good end to the family-friendly event,” he said.

Gates open at 3.30pm, with a handcraft market beginning at 4pm, and food and wine market starting at 4.30pm.

Tickets cost $10 for adults, and children under 12 are admitted free.

People have come from across NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Perth to watch the National Balloon Championships, which began on Tuesday.

Pilots have come from overseas including Brazil and Japan, and Mr Falconer said this year was the first time the championship had been an official international event.

“The weather’s been brilliant, and the tasks the directors have set are really quite something,” he said.

“Pretty much everyone has been very supportive of this event.”

via – The Grenfell Record.