Hundreds of hot air balloons to fly over South London park this weekend

Dozens of hot air balloons will sail across London's skyline this weekend in aid of charity. The Lord Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta is returning on Sunday, July 7 for the first time in five years after previous years' events were cancelled due to poor weather and the Covid pandemic.

Setting off from Battersea Park at 5.30am, around 50 balloons will float by the capital's most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, the Tower of London - and many more. Leading the procession will be Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli and his wife, followed by balloons sponsored by various companies and brands.

The event was first set up in 2015 to raise funds and awareness of the Lord Mayor's Appeal, an initiative that supports charities and community projects focusing on young people, mental health, education, and social inclusion. Last taking place in 2019, more than £250,000 has been raised in five years.

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For the best views of the colourful spectacle, head somewhere with good vantage points such as Primrose Hill, London Bridge, Greenwich Park, Alexandra Palace, or Hampstead Heath.

If the weather is too wet or windy on July 7, organisers Exclusive Ballooning have also earmarked July 21 and July 28 as standby dates. Updates on whether the regatta is taking place will be posted on the company's social media pages.

More information on the Lord Mayor's Appeal can be found here.

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