AT least 50 hot air balloons will take to the skies above Worcester in May.

Worcester Balloon Festival, which will take place for the first time in 2023, said more than 50 balloonists have applied to be part of the event.

And the application process is still open.

In a statement on Facebook, a spokesperson for the festival said: “What an amazing response from the balloonists in our first year.

“We can’t wait to fill the skies of Worcester on May 12 and 13 at Worcester Racecourse.”

READ MORE: Worcester to host its first-ever hot air balloon festival

The festival has also announced that it will be attending two local schools to teach pupils all about hot air ballooning.

“It’s a great opportunity for the children to get up close and personal with the balloons and have fun.”

Schools wishing to apply are asked to email worcesterballoonfestival@gmail.com

As well as the balloons themselves, the festival is also expected to feature live arena entertainment, a funfair, local stalls, street food and drink stands, fireworks and a circus workshop.

The festival will open at 4pm on the Friday with plans for an “evening balloon ascent” followed by a hot air balloon “night glow”.

The night glow involves the balloons being illuminated like lanterns as they are choreographed to music, organisers say.

Friday will finish with fireworks before closing at 11pm.

Saturday will see an early start, with the first balloon launch at around 6am.

Gates will open for the main event at 11am ahead of a full day of entertainment.

The arena will host performances from motorcycle display teams Stuntworld and Jamie Squibb Freestyle, the American Civil war Society, and the Got 2 Sing choir.

Flotsam the Fools Circus workshop will also be running, to provide classes on circus skills suitable for all ages, alongside a funfair and a selection of local traders.

A mass balloon ascent will take centre stage as the event’s grand finale, with all of the pilots taking to the air before a final balloon glow and fireworks display.

Tickets are on sale now via skiddle.com