Following the announcement of the return of the Worcester Balloon Festival for 2024, the organisers have applied for a premises licence.

Show Time Events Group Ltd has begun proceedings to alter its existing licence to cover the festivities, which are scheduled to take place at Worcester Racecourse, Pitchcroft.

The proposed changes to the licence include increasing the capacity to 14,999 people, and adding Sunday to the existing licence to allow live music, recorded music, the performance of plays and alcohol sales from 12pm-8pm.

 

 

Read more: Dates for Worcester Balloon Festival 2024 revealed

 

 

The festival, set for Friday 21 and Saturday, June 22, is scheduled to return after a successful first event last year.

According to the organisers, attendees can look forward to a bar, an ice cream stall, and a sweets and candy stall.

Other traders have also been invited to get in touch with the organisers if they'd like to attend.

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to email worcesterballoonfestival@gmail.com for more information.

Despite attracting thousands of visitors for its inaugural event last year, the first festival did experience setbacks.

Originally slated for May, it had to be postponed due to a waterlogged racecourse.

Windy conditions also hindered the balloon flights on opening night.

Yet, when the balloons eventually took to the air it was, in all accounts, a wonderful spectacle.

In an unfortunate incident, however, a balloonist, Peter Gregory lost his life when his balloon crashed at Ombersley, near the A449.

The festival organisers clarified that Mr Gregory's balloon flight was "independent" and unrelated to the festival.

His family have affectionately referred to him as 'Pilot Pete' and expressed their sorrow, as they admired his passion for flying.

Representations from member of the public or responsible authorities concerning the licence application can be made in writing to Worcestershire Regulatory Services, Wyre Forest House, Finepoint Way, Kidderminster, DY11 7WF or by emailing enquiries@worcsregservices.go.uk until Monday, February 12.