Oswestry Balloon Carnival Confirmed to Proceed with Enhanced Safety Measures Amid Drought Concerns
OSWESTRY, SHROPSHIRE – Organizers of the milestone 10th Oswestry Balloon Carnival have confirmed that the popular free event will proceed this weekend at Cae Glas Park, despite mounting concerns regarding the ongoing drought and the heightened risk of wildfires across the region.
The event, which attracts large crowds annually, is taking place under a strict safety framework. In light of the exceptionally dry conditions that have left fields parched and vulnerable to ignition, organizers have announced that balloon activity will be subject to rigorous, dynamic assessments. These measures are specifically designed to address the potential fire hazards posed by the intense heat generated by the balloons’ burners during both flight and landing.
The decision comes at a time when the West Midlands is grappling with a record-breaking summer. The region has already witnessed a series of brushfires, and the government has issued a national alert urging the public to exercise extreme caution regarding any activity that could trigger a fire. This mandate has seen retailers across the country pull disposable barbecues from shelves to mitigate the threat.
Local residents in Shropshire had previously voiced their unease about the carnival’s viability, citing the combination of tinder-dry vegetation and the proximity of high-temperature burners.
In a joint statement, event partners—including Nightingale House Hospice, Oswestry Town Council, and Oswestry BID—sought to reassure the public that safety remains their "top priority." They emphasized that all balloon operations are contingent upon the weather and strict safety thresholds.
To minimize risk, organizers have capped the schedule, confirming that no balloon launches will take place outside of the pre-planned windows: 06:00 and 18:00 BST on Saturday, and a final launch at 06:00 on Sunday.
"These measures are designed to ensure that balloon activity only proceeds when it is safe to do so," the organizers noted in a social media update. "We ask everyone attending to enjoy the event with confidence, knowing that safety remains paramount throughout."
While the carnival promises to be a celebratory affair for its 10th anniversary, the organizers are clear that the dry conditions are being treated with the utmost seriousness, promising a cautious and vigilant approach to the weekend’s festivities.
