Witness exhilarating air displays at Longleat this weekend

The Icons of the Sky event is taking place at Longleat this weekend, where visitors will be able to witness mass hot air balloon ascents, a fireworks display, a Supermarine Spitfire, and more.

The event runs for three days, from Friday 12th September to Sunday 14th September.

Each day, there will be two mass hot air balloon ascents, a model hot air balloon display, a pyrotechnic air display, and a firework show.

During the daily air displays, visitors can also see aerial ballet, aerobatics, RAF and memorial flights. With displays by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Supermarine Spitfire and T6 Harvard ‘Wacky Wabbit’, as well as RAF Tutor and Falcons, tribute will be paid to those who gave their lives in World War II, as the estate also marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Scott Ashman, Head of Operations at Longleat, said, “It’s fantastic to see such variety in the line-up. There are lots of new, exciting displays and special-shape hot air balloons, as well as favourites from last year.

“This year will have the added poignancy of marking the end of World War II. Longleat’s wartime history has recently been revealed through the parch marks emerging in the dry weather, giving a rare glimpse of the military hospital which once stood where camels now graze.

“We are very much looking forward to a spectacular event and an opportunity to remember.”

The event is included in the estate’s day ticket, with all the regular attractions also open.

“While naturally balloon flights are weather dependent, there will be plenty to see and do whatever the weather,” said Scott.