Shropshire Star

Severn Hospice thanks visitors for Telford Balloon Fiesta success

The 50,000 people who came out to support this year's Telford Balloon Fiesta have been thanked for their support by the Severn Hospice.

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Shropshire Star photographer Steve Leath got the chance to go up in a balloon before the crowds descended on Telford

The hospice was the nominated charity for the record breaking event, which pulled in 20,000 more people than last year.

Hannah Gamston, fundraising officer at Severn Hospice, said: “It was great to see more than 50,000 people turn up for the Telford Balloon Fiesta over the weekend.

“It was such a fun day out for families and friends and the balloons on show were amazing. A big thank you to everyone who came along on the Saturday and Sunday, and to Telford & Wrekin Council and the rotary club for choosing to support us.

“We need to raise £2 for every £3 we spend so events like this help us ensure we can be there for families living with incurable illness across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales.”

As well as the chance to see 34 different balloons, the crowds also got to see the Wales and England finals of the Ultimate Strongman.

And although strong winds limited flights on Saturday, crowds still got to enjoy a gorgeous nightglow, where the balloons were fired up in time with music.

The Telford Balloon Fiesta debuted last year as part of the celebrations for Telford’s 50th birthday. The nominated charity for the event was Severn Hospice.

Other events returning off the back of Telford’s 50th birthday include Telford’s Got Talent.

The Spring into St George’s Day event was also set to return, but bad weather on the day meant that it had to be cancelled.

Telford & Wrekin Council said it was trying to find ways of bringing planned parts of that into other events this year.