Model Balloonists Invitation
Midlands Air Festival 2027 is supported by
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Introduction
We are pleased to announce that the Midlands Air Festival will be returning to its home at Ragley! 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.
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.
Ballooning Schedule
Thursday
15:00 - Balloonists Area & Campsite Opens
19:00 - Social Evening - Screening of Sir Richard Branson's 'Don't Look Down' Documentary, followed by music, bar and BBQ.
Friday
12:30 - Tethering
19:00 - Mass ascent
21:50 - 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 pyrotechnic air displays! Due to timings, those glowing will not be able to fly Friday evening.
Saturday
06:00 - Mass ascent
10:00 - Tethering
15:00 - Tethering
19:00 - Mass ascent
19:30 - Balloonists two course meal
Sunday
06:00 - Mass ascent
10:00 - Tethering
15:00 - Tethering
15:00 - Balloonists Area & Campsite Opens
19:00 - Social Evening - Screening of Sir Richard Branson's 'Don't Look Down' Documentary, followed by music, bar and BBQ.
Friday
12:30 - Tethering
19:00 - Mass ascent
21:50 - 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 pyrotechnic air displays! Due to timings, those glowing will not be able to fly Friday evening.
Saturday
06:00 - Mass ascent
10:00 - Tethering
15:00 - Tethering
19:00 - Mass ascent
19:30 - Balloonists two course meal
Sunday
06:00 - Mass ascent
10:00 - Tethering
15:00 - Tethering
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 £40 (inc VAT) and this includes:
Please Note:
- Entry for pilot plus one to the entire site
- Breakfast bap on Saturday and Sunday for pilot plus one
- Camping with running water, toilets and showers
- Unlimited tea & coffee
- Gas
- Saturday evening social evening for pilot plus one
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.
Applications
Applications are now open and close on Saturday 31st October 2026.
Applicants will be informed if their application has been successful by Sunday 8th November 2026. Entry fees plus any fees due for additional passes must be paid by Sunday 6th December 2026 to confirm your space.
Applicants will be informed if their application has been successful by Sunday 8th November 2026. Entry fees plus any fees due for additional passes must be paid by Sunday 6th December 2026 to confirm your space.
