Interested in seeing balloons close-up? Been to a balloon festival before but had to travel miles? Well here are this year’s opportunities to see balloons of all shapes and sizes in all their glory. You may find there is an event far closer to home than you thought. Although at present a lot off events have yet to confirm dates.

Before you set out it’s probably worth noting a few basic facts. Balloons fly about an hour after sunrise and two to three hours before sunset. Unlike glider pilots, balloonists do not enjoy thermals – they tend to make a lottery of height control. So do not turn up at midday unless you are prepared to enjoy the other attractions for the entire afternoon. Balloons can be tethered during the day but this may not hold your attention for six hours or more.

If you want to know when sunrise and sunset occur, the times are usually printed alongside the weather report in most broadsheet newspapers. While you are there, check the weather. Balloons do not fly in rain or winds faster then 15 mph. But don’t be too pesimistic. Wind speeds drop towards sunset, we can fly below clouds and some balloonists may fly between rain showers.

Do not contact the event organiser to check information. Chances are, if it’s close to the event the organiser will be on-site anyway and the skeleton staff left back at base will probably have more than enough to deal with already.

So enjoy your visit. The sight of a mass balloon ascent is really worth the effort.

1-2 August 2009 - Balloons Over Basingstoke, Hampshire. Based at the southern side of Basingstoke, M3 junction six. Held in the War Memorial Park behind the Hilton. A growing show with plenty of side attractions. www.skypower.co.uk

6-9 August 2009 - Bristol Balloon Festival. Fly from Ashton Court Manor Estate, Long Ashton. Balloons gather for launch at 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. The police estimate that 500,000 spectators attend this festival but there is adequate parking if you are coming from outside of the town www.bristolfiesta.co.uk

14-16 August 2009 - Northampton Balloon Festival. Major festival, organised by Northampton Council and held in the park in the centre of town. Is well sign-posted from all roads entering the city. www.northampton.gov.uk

20-23 August 2009 - Bournemouth Air Festival see www.bournemouthair.co.uk