Hot air balloons take to Wiltshire skies at Longleat

A total of 51 balloons took to the air during a mass launch yesterday morning (Friday, September 11) as part of the Icons of the Sky event at Longleat near Warminster, with a further four tethered at the estate.

Among those floating over the grounds were Longleat favourites Simbaloo the lion and Adelaide the koala, alongside unusual designs including a giant Cornetto, a snake, Smiley the Scarecrow and a Send My Bag Suitcase.

The aerial spectacle continued with the roar of the P51D Mustang ‘Marinell’, followed by a display from the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers.

Dozens of balloons can be seen over the Wiltshire skyline. (Image: Claire Hartley/PA Wire)

Head of operations at Longleat Scott Ashman said: "It has been an amazing first day with great weather and a fantastic display in the air above us.

More than 50 colourful balloons took off from Longleat as part of the annual celebration. (Image: Claire Hartley/PA Wire)

"We have been celebrating 60 years of our Drive-Through Safari being the first to open outside Africa in 2026 and in the night glow we even had a 100ft birthday cake taking part."

People can see the classic Longleat balloons. (Image: Zoe Head-Thomas/PA Wire)

A close up of the flame inside one of the balloons. (Image: Zoe Head-Thomas/PA Wire)

A hot air balloon comes down in a Wiltshire field. (Image: Zoe Head-Thomas/PA Wire)

The Icons of the Sky festival continues throughout the weekend, with the RAF Falcons Parachute team and Tiger Nine Display team among those scheduled to appear.