Telford Balloon Fiesta blew up this year

Record numbers of 50,000 people turned out at this year’s Telford Balloon Fiesta, it has been announced.

The skies above Telford were filled with colour recently as the town’s annual balloon fiesta drew massive crowds over its three-day run. Kicking off with a spectacular Night Glow on 22 August, the event in Telford Town Park continued with a weekend of family activities.

Organised by Telford & Wrekin Council, this year’s event has been hailed as the biggest and most well-attended so far.

Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of the Council, said: “We enjoyed an amazing weekend with four balloon flights, a packed entertainment programme including live music and have-a-go activities plus a sell-out Night Glow.

“With 50,000 visitors attending over the weekend there was a fantastic atmosphere in the arena, with families and friends enjoying the opportunity to get together and share fun experiences and we look forward to putting on more great events and occasions for people to enjoy in Telford.”

Councillor Angela McClements, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture & the Arts, added that the event has grown significantly in 2025 with new additions such as a TeenZone, which complemented the existing Kidszone.

She also highlighted the Telford Community Carnival on the Sunday, which was a “spectacle of colour and music.”

Over twenty balloons took flight at each launch, allowing residents across the borough to spot them and share photos on social media.

“As well as the entertainment enjoyed by families we can’t underestimate the economic boost the event provides too and I know those traders involved as part of the event were delighted and it was great to see the extra footfall across the park and Southwater,” Councillor McClements said.

The next event organised by the council will be the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Festival, which runs from 12-14 September and features the Coracle Regatta, a Family Dog Show, and more.