The Exclusive Cup Sky Safari

We are off to a fantastic start to our Exclusive Cup SkySafari at Longleat!

The first flight on Thursday night saw a small number of balloons take off and fly out over the Estate.

Our first Night Glow officially kicked off the event in style with twenty hot air balloons lining the famous Lodge Drive. The balloons all lit up to a music score perfectly choreographed by our Director Andrew Holly.

We are thrilled to welcome back Glen Moyer from the USA who is the official announcer of the event and will be speaking to the crowds throughout the hot air balloon launches.

Glen is not our only American guest as we are honoured to have six teams attending from the US. This includes the current World Champion Rhett Heartsill, current National Champion Johnny Petrehn and former twice World Champion Joe Heartsill.

This morning saw blue skies, light winds and up to 100 balloons flying for the first mass ascent of the event.

It was also a very special morning for our own special shape penguins Puddles and Splash who welcomed their first arrival: Tall Steve! At 07:33 outside the Longleat House, Steve was inflated for the first time to the delight of the crowds.

#TallSteve arrived weighing 192.5lb and the family celebrated by all flying together and over the stunning landscapes of the Longleat Estate and surrounding areas.

We have further mass ascents planned for this evening, Saturday morning and evening and Sunday morning and evening with two more night glows on Friday and Saturday night!