Scottish Balloon Challenge

Published: Thursday 01 Jun 2006 by Fife Council

Fife Council are organising the first Scottish Balloon Challenge which takes place from 7th to 9th July 2006. Based in the Victorian splendour of the Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy, the Challenge promises to be a spectacular family friendly event with a host of activities for all ages.

Up to 20 hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes will be taking off from different locations and flying over Fife. During the event the balloons will be taking part in a series of flying tasks which includes an aerial game of Golf! Other tasks include 'Hare and Hound', 'Homecoming' and 'Lunardi's Leap'. Both 'teardrop' balloons and speciality balloons, including Thomas the Tank Engine and the Churchill dog, the largest speciality balloon currently flying in the UK will be there. From Friday to Sunday the balloons will be flying, performing their challenges but public can get close to the action on Saturday 8th July when the giant balloons tether in the Beveridge Park during the day and take part in a stunning night-time Moon Glow and Fireworks display choreographed to music. Scotland's premiere fire performance company tePooka will unleash an explosive and high energy show featuring fire swinging, aerial feats, juggling and pyrotechnics. Listen out to Kingdom FM for regular updates on where the balloons are flying.

Entry to the Scottish Balloon Challenge is free and there is a full supporting programme of free family centred events; including workshops in kite making, balloon modelling and circus skills; magic, clowning and puppet shows; street theatre, mix and mingle entertainers and giant outdoor games Other attractions in the park include a Fun Fair, a traditional Bavarian Beer Festival complete with Oompha Band and the Beveridge Park Community Festival featuring over 40 local community organisations as well as a Teddy Bear's Picnic, Falconry displays, music programme and Kingdom FM's It's a Knockout. There is a free park and ride bus service on Saturday 8th July from the esplanade car parks to the Beveridge Park from 11.00am - 5.00pm and again from 8.30pm until midnight.

The full programme of events is listed below.

Bavarian Beer Festival 5th - 9th July

Wed 5 July 6.15pm - 11.00pm ; Thur 6 July 6.00pm - 11.00pm; Fri 7 July 5.00pm - 11.00pm, Sat 8 July 12.30pm - 11.00pm; Sun 9 July 12.30pm - 10.00pm

Fun Fair 6th - 9th July

Thur 6 July 1.00pm - 9.30pm; Fri 7 July 12.00pm - 10.00pm, Sat 8 July 12.00pm - 10.30pm; Sun 9 July 12.00pm - 10.00pm

Community Festival 7th - 9th July

Fri 7 July 1.00pm - 4.00pm & 7.00pm - 11.00pm ; Sat 8 & Sun 9 July 11.00am - 4.00pm & 7.00pm - 1100pm

It's A Knockout 8th July

1.00pm - 3.30pm

Balloon Tethering and Family Fun Day 8th July

12.00pm - 4.00pm

Balloon Moon Glow and Fireworks Display 8th July