In honour of its 75th anniversary, Longleat is set to launch an extraordinary celebration with Icons of the Sky, a breathtaking event featuring hot air balloons dancing to the greatest hits of the past eight decades.
From 13th to 15th September, guests will be treated to a vibrant spectacle, combining musical night glows with an aviation showcase that is bound to capture imaginations.
The Wiltshire estate will transport visitors through time, with hot air balloons lighting up the sky to a specially choreographed soundtrack that spans musical legends.
The show begins with the swing of Glenn Miller from the 1940s and moves through to modern-day stars like Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Benson Boone. Along the way, classic hits from artists like The Rolling Stones, whose Satisfaction graced the estate back in 1964, and Sir Elton John, who performed at Longleat’s 50th Safari Park anniversary, will echo through the night.
The event’s highlight will be the grand Spitfire display, a fitting tribute to Longleat’s connection with the history of flight. As head of operations Scott Ashman noted, “Our 2024 event will be a 21st-century celebration of our heritage and pay homage to the history of flight.”
Along with the stunning visuals and musical nostalgia, visitors can look forward to more than 12 hours of entertainment, including the sunrise balloon launch and pyrotechnic air display.
Visitors should book early to ensure a spot at this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ashman adds, “Tickets are flying out fast, so we’d urge people to pre-book online. With balloons launching from 7am and the evening festivities wrapping up at 8.30pm, it’s set to be a full day of fun.”
As Longleat celebrates this milestone, Icons of the Sky not only pays tribute to its past but also to an incredible moment in aviation history. In 1824, pioneering balloonist George Graham landed at Longleat after a daring flight from Bath, making this event a fitting nod to the estate’s historical connection to ballooning.
Whether you’re attending for the music, the balloons, or the history, Icons of the Sky promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Tickets are available now at longleat.co.uk.
