The Telford Balloon Fiesta
What is The Telford Balloon Fiesta?
The Telford Balloon Fiesta is an annual community event held each August Bank Holiday weekend in Telford Town Park, specifically in the QEII Arena. Organised by Telford & Wrekin Council, it combines the visual spectacle of hot air balloons with a wide range of family-friendly activities, entertainment, and performances.
From midday to evening each day, the Fiesta offers a rich programme of live music, aerial displays (including the Wings Parachute Team and Stanage Stunt Team), Kids Zone, creative workshops, stalls, and more. Scheduled balloon launches take place in the early morning (around 6am) and evening (circa 6pm) on both Saturday and Sunday, adding magical visual spectacle to the weekend.
Sunday features the Telford Community Carnival Day, including a vibrant parade, live dance workshops, and community showcases across Southwater and into the QEII Arena.
Stage One: The Brief
We were approached by Telford & Wrekin Council to provide a unique and entertaining option suitable for both adults and children throughout the day to run alongside their circus experiences, gentle donkey rides, archery, crazy golf, crafts, and Messy Play.
As a flagship event in the Council’s annual calendar, the Fiesta attracts visitors from across the region and nation, fostering community spirit, supporting local businesses, and celebrating the vibrant culture of Telford so our entertainment had to be something that appealed to both adults and children alike – through discussions with the client we landed on utilising our animatronic dinosaur team.
Stage Two: Unleash the Beasts
Based on 2024’s numbers, around 8,000 people were expected at the Night Glow alone. Attendees described the atmosphere as “electric”, and the event sold out swiftly. Because of this we decided on bringing not just our adult animatronic T-Rex but also 6 different baby animatronic dinosaurs too.
The lineup included a T-Rex, Pachysaurus, Diplodocus, T. Mcraeensis, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Spinosaurus, and three Dino Rangers/ handlers. These lifelike, moving creatures created an exciting, hands-on experience that drew in both children and adults.
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Stage Three: A Roarsome Time
Guests didn’t just stand back and watch – they got actively involved. Children loved getting close to the dinosaurs, hearing them roar, and even touching them as they “came to life”. Many families took photos and videos, making the dinosaurs one of the most shared highlights of the event on social media.
The interactive element really stood out. Some of the dinosaurs were part of small, guided shows where performers encouraged children to “train” the dinosaurs or join in playful storytelling. This gave younger guests a chance to imagine themselves as explorers or palaeontologists, making the experience more immersive. Parents enjoyed watching their children’s reactions, often commenting on how realistic and entertaining the displays were.
The dinosaurs also added to the festive and magical atmosphere of the Fiesta. For many families, they provided a perfect break between balloon launches and other activities – something to keep children excited and engaged throughout the day.
Stage Four: Up, Up and away
Eventually it was time for the big balloon launch. Taking place around 6pm, this moment transformed Telford Town Park into a stage for a breathtaking spectacle. The sight of dozens of hot air balloons rising high into the sky created an atmosphere that was both magical and unforgettable.
Sponsored by Virgin Balloon Flights, a nationally recognised operator with its headquarters in Telford, added significant value to the event, not only through their iconic balloons but also by showcasing the strength of local enterprise. Virgin Balloon Flights’ contribution highlighted the town’s connection to ballooning and elevated the Fiesta to an even higher standard.
From the company’s perspective, the launches captured the essence of the Fiesta—community spirit, visual wonder, and local pride. Being part of the crowd at the QEII Arena during those moments was inspiring, and it reinforced just how important the Fiesta is to Telford and the wider region.
If you are interested in including Dinosaur entertainment at your next event you can find out more information on our Dinosaur Theme page. Alternatively if you have your own ideas in mind and would like to discuss a custom package created just for you, just like Telford & Wrekin Council did – feel free to drop us a message on our Contact page.
Additional images captured and kindly provided by Robertwilldig.
“A massive thank you from us here at the Events team, we really appreciate all your hard work and dedication towards our event we couldn’t have done it without your support. We have had such an amazing response from the public & the crowds speak for themselves.”
– MEGAN KING
Events Support Officer, Telford & Wrekin Council