Longleat has revealed the full line-up for its second Icons of the Sky spectacular, with everything from Spitfires to storybook characters taking to the skies above the Wiltshire estate this September.
Running from 12th to 14th September, the three–day showcase will feature daily air displays, tethered performances and two mass hot air balloon ascents, turning the skies over the stately home into a vivid canvas of colour, nostalgia and aerobatic skill.
Making their balloon debut at Longleat are several playful newcomers, including Oggy the Friendly Dragon – only its third ever UK appearance – alongside Disney’s UP house, Funny Bunny and Tropsy the Baby Dino. They will be joined by much–loved shapes such as Slick the Dragon, Daisy the Cow, Scarlett the Macaw and Elii the Elephant. Traditional balloons of all sizes will fly alongside these crowd favourites, making for a rich and varied skyline.
The tethered displays will bring even more unusual characters to the ground, with Babybel’s ‘Mr Cool’, a Forklift Truck, an Ordnance Survey Map, a Lightbulb and Miracle Man set to draw plenty of attention. Family favourites Rupert Bear, Thomas the Tank Engine and the Michelin Man also make a welcome return.
But the event isn’t just about balloons. The daily aerial programme promises to be just as striking, featuring aerobatics, formation displays and poignant moments of remembrance. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Supermarine Spitfire will appear alongside the T6 Harvard ‘Wacky Wabbit’, while the RAF Tutor and the Falcons display team bring modern–day skill to the skies. The timing is especially poignant as this year also marks 80 years since VE Day.
Scott Ashman, Longleat’s Head of Operations, said:
“It’s fantastic to see such a variety in the line–up. There are exciting new displays and special shape hot air balloons, alongside favourites from last year. This year carries added meaning as we reflect on the estate’s wartime history. Recently, parch marks have revealed the outline of a military hospital which once stood here, where camels now graze. It’s a fitting reminder of the lives connected to this place and a perfect backdrop for the commemorations.”
The Icons of the Sky event is included in the estate’s day ticket, with Longleat’s regular attractions also open throughout. While flights are, of course, weather dependent, organisers are keen to point out that there will be plenty to enjoy on the ground regardless of conditions.
More details, including the full line-up, can be found at longleat.co.uk/events/icons-of-the-sky.
