What are the dates for this years Balloon Regatta®?
We will be announcing the standby dates for The 2025 Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta® soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you have multiple dates for the Balloon Regatta®?
Hot air ballooning is a wholly weather dependent activity. Therefore we have multiple standby dates for the flight and we will proceed on the first date in which we have suitable weather conditions. If one date is not suitable, then we simply roll to the next standby date.
When will we find out if the Balloon Regatta® is going ahead?
Weather updates will be provided in the afternoon on the preceding Friday of each standby date. Updates will be posted on the ‘Updates’ section of this website and also on our Facebook and Instagram.
Where can I find the updates on the flight?
Updates will be posted on the ‘Updates’ section of this website and also on our Facebook and Instagram.
What is an Amber Alert and what does Green Status mean?
These are terms that we use to identify the likelihood of the flight proceeding. We are on standby for specific dates each year and when we approach these dates, we will conduct weather checks on the preceding days. If conditions are looking favourable, then we will put everyone on an ‘Amber Alert’, meaning that the current weather forecasts would allow the flight to proceed. When a final decision is made and this decision is to proceed with the flight, we then move to ‘Green Status’ to confirm that all balloon teams are proceeding to a launch site and intend to fly.
Where are the balloons launching from?
We have multiple launch sites for the Balloon Regatta®. All of our launch sites will be closed to the public and therefore we ask and encourage you to watch the balloons in the sky from the surrounding area.
What time will the balloons launch?
Our exact launch time will be guided by sunrise times and our final air traffic clearance. We would typically expect the launch to take place between 05:00 and 05:30, however more specific information will be provided at the point the flight is officially called on.
What time will the balloons fly over specific landmarks, such as Tower Bridge or the Shard?
Hot air balloons fly with the wind and therefore their direction and speed are dictated by the weather conditions present on the morning of the flight.
Think of it as taking a car journey and being asked to confirm exactly what time you will drive past a certain building on your route. This will depend on when you actually start your journey, how fast you drive, what traffic you run into etc. While an estimate could be given about these, it is very difficult to say exactly when you will be going past something specific, as the variables are unknown until the actual journey is happening.
When the flight is officially called on, we will provide as much information as possible, in regards to the expected direction and track of the balloons.
What direction will the balloons fly?
Hot air balloons fly in the same direction as the wind. Therefore we will not know the route that the balloons will take until the morning of the flight. When we call the flight on, we will have an expected track for the balloons and can provide information on the direction only at this stage. Please check our social media for this information once the flight is called on.
Can I come and watch the balloons take off at the launch site?
The launch site is closed to the public and therefore there is no access. We encourage you to watch the balloons in the sky from the surrounding areas.
Can I buy tickets to the Balloon Regatta®?
No, this is not a public or ticketed event. The launch site is closed to the public.
Where is the best place to see the balloons from?
Hot air balloons fly with the wind and therefore we will not know the forecasted wind direction and expected track of the balloons until the flight is called on. When we do announce that the flight is proceeding, we will provide information on the direction, expected track and potential viewing points at this stage.
Can I see the balloons from Tower Bridge or Chelsea Bridge?
Hot air balloons fly with the wind and therefore we will not know the forecasted wind direction and expected track of the balloons until the flight is called on. When we do announce that the flight is proceeding, we will provide information on the direction, expected track and potential viewing points at this stage.
Can you steer a hot air balloon?
Hot air balloons fly with the wind. However, there are different wind directions and speeds at different altitudes and therefore pilots can, in theory, use this to change the direction and speed of the balloon and ‘steer’ it.
For example, if at 1000ft the wind direction is north at 10 knots but at 2000ft it is north east at 5 knots, by ascending or descending the balloon, you can change it’s direction and speed.
This becomes more challenging when flying over central London due to the surrounding tall buildings and very busy active airspace we are entering.
When we are ready to launch, air traffic control will give us clearance to fly to a certain altitude, providing separation between the balloons and aeroplanes flying above us. Therefore we have limited to ability to ascend and descend while in the airspace, meaning we must have the correct wind direction and speed within that specific ‘tube’ of airspace, in order to safely fly.
Where will the balloons land?
We do not know! When the Balloon Regatta® proceeds, this will be because we have the correct conditions that allows us to safely fly over London and then continue on and fly to areas with more open spaces for landing.
The most common landing areas for balloons are large open fields. Pilots will choose their landing spot while in the air, making assessments from the basket in regards to whether an area is large enough and free from overhanging obstacles such as power wires.
Can I fly in a balloon at the Regatta?
Currently we are not selling passenger spaces for the Balloon Regatta®.
What is the Balloon Regatta® for?
The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta® is the official ballooning event of The City of London and is the aerial extension of the historic Lord Mayor’s Show.
Each year up to fifty hot air balloons take flight across central London raising awareness and funds for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. Leading the launch is the official Lord Mayor’s Appeal hot air balloon which carries both the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress.
What is The Lord Mayor’s Appeal?
The Lord Mayor’s Appeal’s strategic aim is to create A Better City for All that is inclusive, healthy, skilled and fair. This is done via four thought leadership initiatives – Power of Inclusion, This is Me, We Can Be and City Giving Day – which offer learning, development and engagement opportunities for employees across the Square Mile and beyond. Delivering an impact in the City that transforms lives, The Appeal also raises funds for its partner charities, MQ Mental Health Research, Homewards and National Numeracy via a series of annual events and corporate and livery donations.
How can I donate to or support The Lord Mayor’s Appeal?
If you wish to donate or get involved to help fundraise for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, please visit their website here: https://www.thelordmayorsappeal.org/get-involved/donate/