The first-ever International Hot Air Balloon Fest Hong Kong will be held from Sept. 4 to 7 at the Central Harbourfront Event Space. The festival will feature a spectacular lineup of hot air balloons from around the world, including six towering large balloons measuring up to 20 meters in height and over 10 smaller balloons standing 11 meters tall. Participating balloons hail from countries like Canada and the UK.
A special highlight of the event is a panda-themed hot air balloon designed to showcase HK's unique characteristics. According to Ms. Chan, Operations Director of Grand Events Asia Ltd., the organizer, the necessary permits for the event are currently under review, with partial approvals already secured. The organizers aim to attract at least 80,000 visitors to the festival this year.
Chan noted that while the event is scheduled after the summer holidays, she remains optimistic about drawing a large number of local attendees as well as visitors from the Greater Bay Area. The festival is also being actively promoted in markets such as Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand.
The festival offers two daily sessions, one in the morning from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and another in the evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., allowing visitors to enjoy distinctly different views of Victoria Harbour. To address potential disruptions caused by extreme weather, backup dates have been set for Sept. 8 and 9.
Given the technical complexities of the event, including temporary entertainment licenses, the use of gas cylinders, and hot air balloon safety protocols, the organizers have worked closely with relevant authorities to conduct multiple rounds of testing and coordination to ensure a safe and compliant event.
Early bird tickets are now on sale, priced between HK$90 and HK$680, with strong demand reported. With a total investment of over HK$30 million, the organizers hope the festival will become an annual signature event for HK, boosting tourism and offering residents a unique experience.
The tethered balloon rides will feature large hot air balloons approximately 19 meters in diameter and 23 meters tall, operated by licensed professional pilots. Each balloon is securely anchored with steel cables and can ascend to a height of 10 to 20 meters. Each ride lasts several minutes and accommodates two to four passengers.
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