Bolesworth Castle: Balloon spectacular and live acts added to epic line-up at summer festival

Bolesworth Castle is reaching for the skies with a new attraction to be launched this summer.

Spectacular hot air balloon flights and displays will form part of the epic and much-anticipated Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, which runs from June 6-16.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Cheshire Balloon Fiesta – which took place at the 6,000-acre Tattenhall estate, near Chester and Wrexham, in 2023 – Bolesworth has added the adrenaline-fuelled activity to its line-up on the weekend of June 14-16.

The action-packed programme will include more than 20 balloon launches, iconic tethered balloons, ‘Meet the Pilot’ and ‘Basket and Burners’ sessions and spectacular night glow demonstrations that will light up the evening sky.

Balloon Launches and Night Glows will be taking place on the evenings of Friday and Saturday (June 14-15) with great views from the Live Music Stage. Campers that rise early may also catch the morning flights on Saturday and Sunday (June 15-16).

As Managing Director Nina Barbour and the team put the final touches to this year’s lifestyle and equestrian festival – presented by the globally renowned Al Shira’aa stables – tickets are already selling fast ahead of what looks like being their biggest and best event yet.

“We are absolutely delighted to have secured the hot air balloons for the final weekend of this summer’s Bolesworth International,” said Nina.

“They are always very popular with the crowds here so introducing them to what’s already a stellar series of activities and attractions will go down – or up! – very well with visitors.

“We will actually have more hot air balloons and displays than ever before so it’s going to be a special addition to this year’s celebrations.”

And the highs don’t stop there; the line-up will also feature some of the top names in international showjumping, special VIP and celebrity guests, family entertainment, dog-friendly activities, ringside hospitality and more.

Among the star music guests performing live on Friday and Saturday (June 14-15) will be electronic duo Phats and Small, and there will be appearances by Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band, and the Ultimate Party Mixtape Set with 80s party outfit, Coyote. More acts will be announced in the near future.

There is also the opportunity to pitch up and stay a little longer by camping on-site, with availability from June 13-16.

Among other highlights will be the return of Ben Atkinson and his stunt horses, the Hybrid/EV driving zone, freestyle motocross displays, shopping village, the Champagne Enclosure, a new land and rural business day, Women in Business and Ladies Day, Bolesworth Elite Auction and much more.

“Every year we push the boundaries in uniting the world of equestrianism with entertainment, live music and adrenaline-fuelled activities,” said Nina.

“This year is no exception, in fact it’s the best yet! So be sure to book your tickets soon – don’t miss out.”

Bolesworth has Spring saver prices, with up to 50% off until May 31.

To book your tickets and for the latest news and information about events at Bolesworth, call 01829 782210 or visit www.bolesworth.com/international.