Balloonists Invitation
Midlands Air Festival 2026 is supported by
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Introduction
We are pleased to announce that the Midlands Air Festival will return to its home at Ragley for the eight edition! Once again, we have over 250 acres for bimbling, flying out and in!
We will be adopting the same relaxed feel with a great balloonist package! Please read the information detailed below including terms and conditions before applying. Please note, 2026 will see a limit of 100 balloons, with those entries who volunteer for glowing/public interaction taking priority.
We will be adopting the same relaxed feel with a great balloonist package! Please read the information detailed below including terms and conditions before applying. Please note, 2026 will see a limit of 100 balloons, with those entries who volunteer for glowing/public interaction taking priority.
Ballooning Schedule
Friday
Our press launch flight on Friday morning will return. This is a private ascent purely for press photos etc. Camping will be available from Thursday evening for those wishing to join us for this flight.
The event opens to the public early afternoon – any pilots willing to tether would be very welcome. There is then a balloon ascent and a night glow. The night glow is loved by the public who help pay for this weekend, so we would really appreciate your support with this. It’s a great evening with food provided courtesy of Altitude Insurance and a front row seat to some fantastic displays! Due to timings, those glowing will not be able to fly Friday evening.
Saturday
There are morning and evening ascents, as well as tethering opportunities. In the evening we have our own private balloonist’s social!
Sunday
Once again, we have morning and evening ascents as well as tethering opportunities. Please do stay for the Sunday Evening if you can. The paying public allow us to put on this great weekend including an extensive balloonist’s package, and we do need to repay them with an evening launch if possible.
Our press launch flight on Friday morning will return. This is a private ascent purely for press photos etc. Camping will be available from Thursday evening for those wishing to join us for this flight.
The event opens to the public early afternoon – any pilots willing to tether would be very welcome. There is then a balloon ascent and a night glow. The night glow is loved by the public who help pay for this weekend, so we would really appreciate your support with this. It’s a great evening with food provided courtesy of Altitude Insurance and a front row seat to some fantastic displays! Due to timings, those glowing will not be able to fly Friday evening.
Saturday
There are morning and evening ascents, as well as tethering opportunities. In the evening we have our own private balloonist’s social!
Sunday
Once again, we have morning and evening ascents as well as tethering opportunities. Please do stay for the Sunday Evening if you can. The paying public allow us to put on this great weekend including an extensive balloonist’s package, and we do need to repay them with an evening launch if possible.
Other Entertainment
Daytime air displays will take place mid Friday afternoon. Later in the evening we will commence our Nightfire which will consist of breath-taking aerobatics combined with pyrotechnics streaming from various aircraft/people! The night glow will take place afterwards and conclude with a musical firework finale!
Saturday & Sunday will both see full air shows consisting of over 45 aircraft including WWI & WWII aircraft, high energy aerobatics and fast jets. It’s a sight not to be missed!
As well as all of this, there will be parachute displays, large model aircraft and various ground exhibits for everyone to enjoy. All of this is included within your entry package as well.
Saturday & Sunday will both see full air shows consisting of over 45 aircraft including WWI & WWII aircraft, high energy aerobatics and fast jets. It’s a sight not to be missed!
As well as all of this, there will be parachute displays, large model aircraft and various ground exhibits for everyone to enjoy. All of this is included within your entry package as well.
Balloonists Package
The non-refundable entry fee for the entire weekend is £95 (inc VAT) and this includes:
Please Note:
- Entry for pilot plus three to the entire site
- Breakfast bap for pilot plus three
- Camping with running water, toilets and showers
- Unlimited tea & coffee
- Gas
- Landowner gift for each flyable slot
- Saturday evening social evening for pilot plus three
Please Note:
- Dogs, other than assistance dogs, are not permitted anywhere on site due to the close proximity of the balloonist’s area and camping area to the live airstrip.
- We would like to think that we have the full support of those that enter, therefore, if you are accepted, participants agree they will not take part in any other balloon events during the three days of the Midlands Air Festival.
Passes
Passes will only be required for those over the age of 12. Additional crew passes are £50 (inc VAT), these do not include food.
Applications
Applications are now open and close on Friday 31st October 2025.
Applicants will be informed if their application has been successful by Sunday 9th November 2025. Entry fees plus any fees due for additional passes must be paid by Sunday 7th December 2025 to confirm your space.
Applicants will be informed if their application has been successful by Sunday 9th November 2025. Entry fees plus any fees due for additional passes must be paid by Sunday 7th December 2025 to confirm your space.
