LONGLEAT had a flying start to its new Sky Safari with an early ascent this morning. 

Eight balloons, led by the Wiltshire estate’s very own ‘flying lion’ along with a pair of penguin-shaped hot air balloons, took to the skies above Longleat House as a preview to the official event which runs from tomorrow to Sunday.

The Sky Safari, which is being supported by Exclusive Ballooning, is the latest in a year-long series of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Longleat Safari Park.

Over the three-day period a sky full of more than 50 hot air balloons in a variety of shapes and sizes will be making a series of mass ascents into the sky above the Wiltshire Estate between sunrise and sunset.

On Saturday, Longleat will also be lit up by a special night glow with the balloons firing up their burners to musical accompaniment.

As with all activities involving hot air balloons, elements of the festival will be weather dependant and are subject to change at short notice.

In addition to the early morning and dusk launches on Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will also be a series of tethered ascents taking place from 10am-midday and 2pm-4pm on all three days.

The night glow event is due to take place from 7.30pm–8pm on the Saturday.

Admission to the event is free with a valid day ticket, however advance online booking is recommended as it is likely to prove very popular.

For more information, visit www.longleat.co.uk/whats-on/sky-safari or call 01985 844400.