Preparations are well under-way for one of the most popular events in Oswestry with the return of the Balloon Carnival next month.

Eyes will turn to the skies on the weekend of August 24-25 as plenty of hot air balloons will take off, showing a wide variety of designs

All those involved in staging the event, including representatives from Oswestry Town Council, Oswestry Business Improvement District, Nightingale House and Lindstrand Technologies, are looking forward to the event.

Oswestry mayor John Price said: “I am looking forward to the carnival and the spectacle of the night glow. This unique event is free and not many places in the world try to fly balloons from their town centre. There will be a warm welcome for everyone.”

Adele Nightingale, Oswestry BID Manager, added: "This year’s Oswestry Balloon Carnival is set to be even bigger and better, and will extend into the town to give Oswestry the complete Carnival feeling.

"We welcome the extra footfall for our businesses, and to putting Oswestry on the map, all the while supporting Nightingale House, which is a great cause."

Per Lindstrand from Lindstrand Technologies said: “After two successful ballooning events, I am excited to see an increase in ballooning within Oswestry town itself and the surrounding area. I am looking forward to attending again this August.”

Luke McDonald, from Nightingale House, added: “We are over the moon to be continuing our partnership with the Oswestry Balloon Carnival this year.

"It is also vital that we continue to raise the profile of the Hospice in Oswestry and Shropshire as we care for many patients from the area as well as having a shop in the centre of Oswestry.”

Included for all of the family with fire eaters, live music, local dance and gymnastic companies, food stalls with cuisine stretching across the globe, novelty stalls and crafts and even an amazing fun fair with rides that are not to be missed, with more than 30 hot air balloons, including the Ricoh Cube, Koala and Emoji balloon. The night glow takes place on Saturday evening from 9pm in Cae Glas with a Greatest Show theme.