The Telford Balloon Fiesta will return to the QEII Arena at Telford Town Park in Telford, Shropshire, from 28 August to 30 August 2026 — the three days ahead of the Summer Bank Holiday (the bank holiday falls on Monday 31 August 2026). This popular event will feature hot air balloon displays and family entertainment over the August bank holiday weekend. While the daytime activities on Saturday and Sunday will be free to enter, the Friday night display will require a paid ticket to help manage crowds and safety.
The Friday evening event, known as the Night Glow, is set for 28 August 2026. Gates and family entertainment are scheduled to begin at around 5:00 PM, with the tethered Night Glow lighting sequence taking place later in the evening and the programme running until about 10:00 PM. During this part of the festival, balloons remain tethered on the ground and light up in time to music. According to Telford & Wrekin Council, making this a ticketed evening helps ensure the arena and park do not become overcrowded and allows organisers to deliver a safe, high-quality experience.
Families can still enjoy free entry to the Telford Town Park venue during the day on 29 and 30 August 2026. These daytime sessions are expected to run from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM and will feature various flight displays and attractions. Tickets for the Friday night session are expected to go on sale in summer 2026 via the Tickets Telford booking system, with a borough-residents priority window typically in July; organisers will confirm the exact on-sale date.
Visit Telford says the festival helps bring more people into the local area and supports nearby businesses. The event has grown in popularity over recent years, leading organisers to continue using a mix of free and paid entry to manage capacity and long-term sustainability. Residents are encouraged to monitor Visit Telford and Telford & Wrekin Council announcements for the precise ticket release date in summer 2026.
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