High times for Isle of Wight hot air balloon challenge
Hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes are due to take part in a new cross-Solent event this spring.
Around 20 balloons are expected to take part in the Snows Isle of Wight Balloon Challenge, set to take place on a date between March 22 and May 2, depending on the weather.
The balloons will fly from Fawley, Hampshire, across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
It has been organised by Hampshire organisation Digital 21st Event and Hot Air Balloon Services, sponsored by Snows car dealership, co-sponsored by Ordnance Survey, with support from Red Funnel and tourism body Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW).
Digital 21st operations manager Richard Cardy said:
“This is our biggest project to date and most ambitious and I am looking forward to seeing these balloons filling the skies across the Solent this coming spring, as well as welcoming our title sponsor Snows Peugeot co-sponsor Ordnance Survey on board.”
The balloons will arrive in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and the event marks the first time this number of balloons has crossed the solent since 2004.
Event advisor Ian Sharpe co-organised a record breaking Channel flight in 2011.