Local Partnership Working Helps Enhance Telford Balloon Fiesta
Telford’s popular Balloon Fiesta returns on 11 & 12 May 2019 in Telford Town Park after the roaring success of last year.
It is set to be the town’s biggest event of the year with thirty balloons already confirmed to fly above the town. Telford & Wrekin Council relies on the support and generosity of local businesses and charities to stage such events.
This year Severn Hospice have once again jumped on board and the fiesta will help raise money for the local charity which provides such an essential service to the people of Shropshire.
Virgin Balloon Flights have generously donated some of their passenger flights to help raise money for the charity as well as offering passenger flights at a discount to coincide with the 25th year of the headquarters being based in Telford.
Telford Central Rotary Club is also going to have a presence over the weekend by organising some of the activities providing more entertainment for visitors and also producing the official event programme which will be on sale at the event.
Councillor Shaun Davies, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “I am incredibly pleased that we are able to hold such a wonderful event in our town again this year.
“Last year saw around 30,000 people come together to celebrate Telford50 in Telford Town Park which included many people visiting Telford for the first time.
“Partnership working is essential when putting on these types of events and I am incredibly grateful for the participation this year. It is important to acknowledge this as part of the town’s growth and also their generosity enhances the event for those who visit.”
This year also sees the addition of the UK’s Ultimate Strongman qualifying events with England’s Strongest Man on the Saturday and Wales’ Strongest Man on the Sunday. The final which is featured on Channel 5 attracts thousands of attendees and we are looking to welcoming this audience to our event’.
Mike Perry, Community Fundraiser from Severn Hospice said “The balloon fiesta is now one of the most exciting events in Telford’s diary and Severn Hospice is thrilled to again be Telford & Wrekin Council’s chosen charity partner, with support from Telford Centre Rotary Club. Events like this give us the opportunity to raise awareness about our vital work providing care and emotional support to families living with incurable illness, as well as raising funds to continue doing so.”
Alan Baguley, President of Telford Centre Rotary Club said “The club is delighted to be working with Telford & Wrekin Council as one of its charity partners for the Balloon Fiesta, as well as producing an official programme for the event and collecting donations at outlying car parks, where proceeds will go to Severn Hospice, we will be organising a Kids Zone over the weekend with lots of activities for the young and young at heart.”
Matt Jones Managing Direction of Virgin Balloon Flights said “Both charities do such wonderful work here in Shropshire and we’re delighted to be able to support them by donating these balloon rides to help with fundraising.”
Telford Balloon Fiesta takes place in Telford Town Park Saturday 11 May 12-10pm including a spectacular night glow and Sunday 12 May 12-7pm.
Ballooning is weather dependent therefore scheduling is subject to change.
For more information visit www.telford50.co.uk/balloon2019 or follow on the event on Facebook
A variety of sponsorship packages are still available for the event. For more information contact Jodie Lloyd Jodie.lloyd@telford.gov.uk 01952 380982
