What's on in the area

Northampton Balloon Festival

Aug 2009 (annual)

Cost: £4; Under 16s free

Hours: Fri & Sat 6am-10.30pm; Sun 6am-6pm

The sky over Northampton Racecourse fills with colour as more than 70 hot air balloons, propelled by ten tons of propane gas, take to the air for the annual Northampton International Balloon Festival, which was first held in 1991.

Balloons of all shapes and sizes have wowed the crowds in the past. Special shapes have included the Tesco trolley, the RAC's flying van, Lloyds TSB's giant sign and the seductively cool-looking Budweiser can, as well as the Benadryl balloon and the 120-foot AXA FA Cup balloon. Look out for more fun shapes over the long summer weekend.

There is also a fantastic programme of arena entertainment, a funfair, exhibitions, displays and trade stands, along with commercial roadshows and visual arts in the Village Green performance area. On Friday and Saturday nights there is a firework display, and balloon races take place every day at 6am and 6pm.

Northampton Racecourse

• Health & Leisure
• Bodysensual
• Leisurebreaks