The Ultimate Guide to the Devon Balloon Festival

Ever dreamt of soaring high above the stunning Devonshire countryside? Now’s your chance. For the first year ever, the Devonshire Hot Air Balloon Festival is set to lift off, bringing with it a weekend full of excitement and wonder.

From hot air balloon rides and spectacular fireworks to a huge funfair and live entertainment, It’s a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss. Come and be part of this brand-new festival experience in Devon.

Key Takeaways

• Learn all about the Devonshire Balloon Festival and what to expect on the day.

• Find out how you can secure your tickets and parking in advance.

• Discover our many options for hot air balloon rides near this festival if you can't make it on the day.

The Devonshire Balloon and Music Festival 2024 is set to take place on:

Saturday 25th May to Sunday 26th May, 2024.

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend at Exeter Racecourse, where you’ll enjoy stunning hot air balloon displays and fantastic live music at Devon’s very first hot air balloon festival!

What Time Does The Festival Start?

The Devon Festival kicks off at 11:30 am each day. Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy all the exciting activities and entertainment lined up!

Ready to join us at the Devon Balloon Festival? Here’s everything you need to know about how to book your ticket:

Single Day Tickets

• Adult Single Day Ticket: £10.00 + booking fee

• Children’s Single Day Ticket: £7.00 + booking fee

• Family Single Day Ticket (2 adults & 2 kids): £25.00 + booking fee

• Under 3s: Free

Weekend Tickets

• Adult Weekend Ticket: £32.00 + booking fee

• Child Weekend Ticket: £18.00 + booking fee

• Family Weekend Ticket (2 adults & 2 kids): £80.00 + booking fee

• Under 3s: Free

Night Glow Show

• Night Glow Show Entry (from 7 pm): £5.00pp

Car Parking at the Devon Balloon Festival

Secure your parking spot at the Devon Balloon Festival with these options:

• Car Parking Single Day Anytime: £15.00 + £1.26 booking fee (One needed per car)

• Saturday Parking Entry 2pm: £10.00 + booking fee

• Saturday Parking Entry From 5pm: £5.00 + booking fee

• Weekend Parking: £30.00 + booking fee

Make sure to book your parking in advance to ensure a hassle-free experience—there are only 1200 spaces available at the racecourse, so it’s essential to secure your spot early!

Camping at the Festival

Why not make a full weekend of it and book camping at Exeter Racecourse? Enjoy the convenience of staying right at the festival site and immerse yourself in all the fun and festivities. To secure your spot, book directly through the Exeter Racecourse Club Campsite. It’s the perfect way to extend your Devonshire Balloon Festival adventure!

The Devonshire Balloon Festival takes place at the beautiful Exeter Racecourse. Here’s how you can get there:

By Foot

Walking directly to Exeter Racecourse is not recommended due to the distance and lack of pedestrian paths along the route. However, you can catch the shuttle bus from Exeter St David’s station, which runs every half hour to the venue for just £5 return.

By Car

Driving to the festival is straightforward. Exeter Racecourse is conveniently located just off the A38. If you’re using a satnav, enter the postcode EX6 7XS. There’s ample parking available, but remember, spaces are limited to 1200, so book your parking in advance to ensure a spot.

By Train

The nearest train station is Exeter St Davids. From there, you can take the convenient shuttle bus that runs every half hour to the racecourse for £5 return. Train services to Exeter are frequent from major cities like London, Bristol, and Plymouth.

By Bus

Several bus routes run close to Exeter Racecourse. From Exeter city centre, you can catch a bus directly to the racecourse. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient route and times. The journey is scenic and allows you to relax before enjoying the festival.

Are you looking for the ultimate family adventure? Book a hot air balloon ride at the Devonshire Balloon Festival and create unforgettable memories. You’ll have the chance to take part in the exciting mass launches, where you'll soar into the sky alongside countless other balloons.

Can't make the date? Don't worry!

Vouchers purchased with Virgin Balloon Flights for a hot air balloon experience at the Devonshire Balloon Festival aren’t limited to the festival itself.

Our vouchers are valid nationwide and can be used throughout our flying seasonSince this activity is weather dependent, if your flight is unable to go ahead at the festival, you can easily reschedule at one of our nationwide launch sites.

This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your adventure, allowing you to choose when and where you want to fly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create magical memories that will last a lifetime!

Hot Air Balloon Launch Sites Near Devon

If you’d like to tick hot air ballooning off your bucket list but don’t fancy the festival, you can easily find a hot air balloon ride near me with over 100 launch sites across the UK.

If you’re eager for more hot air ballooning excitement, check out these nearby hot air balloon festivals:

The Dorset Balloon Festival offers stunning coastal views and a lively atmosphere. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Dorset’s countryside, this festival is a delight for both balloon enthusiasts and families looking for a fun day out.

Sky Safari at Longleat combines the thrill of ballooning with the adventure of a safari park. Watch as colourful balloons rise over the majestic grounds of Longleat, home to exotic animals and historic landscapes, making it a unique experience for all ages.

The Bristol Balloon Fiesta, one of the largest in Europe, dazzles with hundreds of balloons taking to the skies. Alongside the impressive mass launches, you can enjoy funfair rides, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere that draws visitors from all over the world.

Hot air balloon rides aren’t all that’s happening at the Devonshire festival. There’s a whole host of activities and entertainment lined up to ensure you have a fantastic time from start to finish. Here’s a glimpse of what you can look forward to:

Night Glow

As the sun sets, prepare to be dazzled by the highlight of the festival - The Night Glow performance. Watch as the balloons light up in sync with music, creating a magical and mesmerising display. It’s a must-see highlight of the festival that will leave you in awe.

Tickets for the Night Glow Performance are £5pp.

Mass Balloon Launches

Join us for the spectacular mass balloon launches. Experience the breathtaking sight of dozens of colourful hot air balloons taking to the skies together. It’s a visual treat that captures the true essence of the festival. Want to be part of the action? Don’t forget you can book a ticket to fly with us and enjoy this unforgettable experience from the sky!

Live Tribute Bands

Get ready to dance and sing along to live tribute bands covering hits from iconic artists like Robbie Williams, Madonna, and Beyoncé. These performances will keep you entertained and add an extra layer of excitement to your Devon music festival experience.

Thrilling Stunt Shows

Feel the adrenaline rush with thrilling stunt shows. Watch talented performers showcase their incredible skills and daring feats, providing edge-of-your-seat entertainment for festival-goers of all ages.

Fun Fair Rides

The fun fair rides are perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. From classic carousels to stomach dropping rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and make lasting memories.

Street Food & Drink Vendors

Savour the flavours of Devon with a variety of street food and drink vendors. Whether you’re craving traditional treats or gourmet delights, there’s plenty to tempt your taste buds and keep you fuelled for a day of fun.

Craft Stalls

Explore the craft stalls to find unique handmade items and local treasures. It’s a great opportunity to pick up a special souvenir or gift while supporting local artisans and crafters.

Safety is our top priority when it comes to hot air ballooning. Our friendly and skilled pilots will only fly if the weather conditions are just right, ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Ideal conditions for a hot air balloon ride include clear skies, low wind speeds, and good visibility. These factors help us keep the balloon steady and provide you with the best views and smoothest ride possible.

If the weather isn't playing ball, we might have to delay or cancel flights. But don’t worry! If your flight is cancelled, you can use your voucher at any of our nationwide launch sites. This means you can reschedule your adventure for a time and place that works best for you, ensuring you still get to create memories with your loved ones and tick off this bucket list adventure.

Arrive Early

Getting to the festival early ensures you find a good spot for viewing the balloon launches and other events. Plus, it gives you time to explore the festival grounds and enjoy all the activities.

Dress Comfortably

The festival is an outdoor event, so dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions. Flat and comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be on your feet quite a bit.

Bring a Blanket

Pack a blanketfor relaxing while you watch the balloon launches, Night Glow, or live entertainment. It’s a great way to make your spot comfy for the day.

Capture the Moments

Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to snap those stunning balloon shots and other memorable moments. Share your photos on social media to relive the experience with friends and family.

Be Weather Prepared

Check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly. Sunscreen, hats, and rain ponchos can all come in handy.

Know the Schedule

Familiarise yourself with the festival schedule so you don’t miss any of the key events like the mass balloon launches, Night Glow, and live performances.

Book in Advance

If you’re planning to take a hot air balloon ride, book your tickets in advance to secure your spot. Remember, you can use your voucher at any of our nationwide launch sites if weather conditions aren’t suitable on the day.

The Devonshire Hot Air Balloon Festival promises to be an event like no other, a special occasion that offers something for everyone. From the breathtaking hot air balloon rides to the spectacular fireworks and thrilling stunt shows, this festival is set to create memorable experiences for all who attend. Whether you’re coming with family or friends, there’s no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained.

If hot air ballooning is on your bucket list, this hot air balloon festival is the perfect opportunity to tick it off. With vouchers valid nationwide, you have the flexibility to reschedule if weather conditions aren’t ideal, ensuring you still get to enjoy this unforgettable experience.

From the magical Night Glow and mass balloon launches to the live tribute bands and delicious street food, the Devonshire Hot Air Balloon Festival is packed with highlights that will leave you with lasting memories.

So, gather your loved ones, prepare for an adventure, and join us for a weekend of fun and excitement in the beautiful Devon countryside. This is one of the must-visit events in Devon, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

See you there!