A Hot Air Balloon Festival Is Coming To London In July

Planning out your summer in London? You won’t want to miss the Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta, which sees a host of hot air balloons glide right over the capital. Here’s everything you need to know.

How To See Hot Air Balloons In London This Summer

Mark your calendar: the Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta is back for the first time since 2019, and it’s set to be quite the spectacle.

An extension of the historic Lord Mayor’s Show – the oldest and longest civic procession in the world – the Regatta sees up to 50 hot air balloons fly across London, led by a special balloon carrying the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. The event raises awareness and vital funds for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, a charitable initiative that changes each year after the new Lord Mayor is elected. This year’s charity partners are MQ Mental Health Research, Homewards and National Numeracy.

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The Regatta hasn’t actually taken place since before the pandemic, but it’s due to go ahead again this year, with provisional dates confirmed as Sunday 7, Sunday 21 and Sunday 28 July. Dates are provisional because it all hinges on the (rather temperamental) British weather: much like the planning involved with any outdoor activity in the UK, the Regatta could be called off due to adverse weather conditions. (This is, in fact, what happened in 2022 and 2023, while the two previous events were cancelled due to lockdown).

If it all goes to plan this year, however, you’ll be able to spot a flurry of hot air balloons drifting over London landmarks – and all for a charitable cause. Here’s hoping for sunshine and clear skies. 

You can find out more about the Regatta and see updates on each of the 2024 standby dates at balloonregatta.com