It’ll be a case of up, up and away in Carmarthen next summer as the town gets set to host an exciting hot air balloon festival which will include entertainment for all the family. The event will take place next June at the United Counties Showground on the outskirts of town.

According to organisers, the Wales Balloon Festival promises to be a “breathtaking spectacle” filled with “excitement, wonder and unforgettable memories”. The air above the showground will be a sea of colour as hot air balloons ascend into the sky and become visible for miles around. To get the latest What's On newsletters from WalesOnline, click here.

As well as being a celebration of all things hot air balloon, people will be able to enjoy a wide range of activities and entertainment over two full days. The festival will be home to thrilling rides, giant monster trucks, shows, and live music provided by tribute artists on a huge stage.

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BMX stunt displays promise to keep attendees on the edge of their seats, while a night glow show will illuminate the sky with the glow of the hot air balloons. Familes will also be able to explore Zoomania, a dedicated area filled with fun-filled activities for children of all ages, and the site will also have a giant food court, offering a variety of delicious meals and snacks for people to enjoy as they look up and enjoy the show. The event will take place on June 29 and 30, 2024, with tickets on sale from December 1.

“We are thrilled to bring the Wales Balloon Festival to Carmarthen Showground,” said Jessica Manhire, event organiser at Wales Balloon Festival. “This festival is all about creating lasting memories and providing a unique experience for families. We have curated a diverse range of activities and entertainment to ensure that there is something for everyone. We can’t wait to see the joy and excitement on the faces of our attendees as they witness the magic of hot air balloons and enjoy all the festival has to offer.”

The United Counties Showground is located two miles west of Carmarthen along the A40 heading towards St Clears. The site is used to hosting large events, including the Welsh Dairy Show, antiques markets and car boot sales. During the Covid-19 pandemic it became a drive-thru testing and vaccination centre. Last summer it was the scene of a huge outdoor cinema, while in the run-up to Christmas it staged a drive-in cinema showing festive classics. The showground will also hold its second annual Oktoberfest this weekend, a day after Russell Kane headlines a festival of comedy at the venue on Friday night.

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