The full line-up of Longleat’s showcase Icons of the Sky event has been announced.
The aerial event spectacular taking place at the Wiltshire estate is entering its second year and will see a range of activities available throughout the three days, 12th – 14th September.
With two mass hot air balloon ascents each day, a variety of new shapes and old will be making appearances plus an array of air displays in the skies above the historic stately home.
Making their balloon debut Longleat flights are Oggy the Friendly Dragon with only its third appearance in the UK, Disney UP, Funny Bunny, Topsy the Baby Dino and more.
And they will be joined by familiar shapes such as Slick the Dragon, Daisy the Cow, Scarlett the Macaw, Elii the Elephant, amongst others.
Traditional balloons of all sizes and designs will accompany these special shapes.
Tethering displays will also see several new characters, including Babybel ‘Mr Cool’, Forklift Truck, Ordnance Survey Map, Lightbulb and Miracle Man.
Family favourites Rupert Bear, Thomas the Tank Engine and Michelin Man will also be returning.
During the event’s daily air displays, guests can expect to be wowed by aerial ballet, aerobatics, RAF and memorial flights. With displays by the Battle of Britain Memorial
Flight Supermarine Spitfire and T6 Harvard ‘Wacky Wabbit’, as well as RAF Tutor and Falcons, a tribute will be paid to those who gave their lives in World War II, as the estate also marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Scott Ashman, Head of Operations at Longleat, said, “It’s fantastic to see such a variety in the line-up. There’s lots of new, exciting displays and special shape hot air balloons, as well as favourites from last year.
“This year will have the added poignancy of marking the end of World War II; Longleat’s wartime history has recently been revealed through the parch marks emerging in the dry weather, giving a rare glimpse of the military hospital which once stood where camels now graze.
“We are very much looking forward to a spectacular event and an opportunity to remember.”
The event is included in the estate’s day ticket with all the regular attractions open too.
“While naturally balloon flights are weather dependent, there will be plenty to see and do, whatever the weather,” said Scott.
For the full list of icons – click here https://www.longleat.co.uk/events/icons-of-the-sky/meet-the-icons
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