Safety concerns over hot air balloon festival plan

Residents fear hot air balloons could drift into their houses and nearby roads if a planned festival in Leicester is approved.

Proposals to host a three-day celebration in Victoria Park every June were heard by Leicester City Council's licensing committee on Wednesday.

The festival, organised by Show Time Events Group Ltd, would see about 30 hot air balloons take off twice daily between Friday 19 June and Sunday 21 June at 06:00 and 19:00 BST.

However, neighbours living near the park have objected on the grounds of public safety, raising concerns that balloons could drift into nearby homes and roads.

The applicant, which already operates the "Balloons and Tunes" festival in Market Harborough in Leicestershire, estimated the event could attract up to 10,000 visitors per day.

Licensing documents also outline plans for fireworks, a funfair, live music and alcohol sales.

In written objections submitted to the council, residents described the proposals as "tempting fate" and argued that a city centre location "cannot be wise", reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

One resident pointed out hot air balloon launches from city parks were "a health and safety nightmare".

They said: "Balloons struggled to get upright without being blown over. More importantly, they didn't rise directly upwards, but were blown at sometimes alarmingly low levels, clipping trees and leaving homeowners fearing for their chimneys."

In response, Show Time Events Group Ltd assured councillors that all pilots are experienced professionals with between 10 and 15 years in ballooning.

Organisers added flights would not go ahead in unsafe weather conditions.

Locals also voiced concerns over noise pollution at the park, which has previously hosted major events, such as BBC Radio 2 in the Park 2023 and Kasabian concerts.

The council's noise team has requested a detailed noise management plan be put in place and that music levels do not exceed 65 decibels.

There were also calls for the council to reject plans for the fireworks display, which was due to take place at 22:15.

The licensing committee is expected to make a decision on the application next week.

Members can approve the licence as submitted, grant it with conditions, or refuse it entirely.

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