13 March 2018

Balloons fill sky in autumn spectacular

| Ian Bushnell
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Photos: Jack Mohr.

The weekend’s still autumn mornings and clear skies made for a perfect start to this year’s Canberra Balloon Spectacular, with more than 30 hot air balloons from across the globe lifting off from the lawns of Old Parliament House and floating across the city.

Spectators and passengers gathered on the lawns before dawn as pilots began inflating their balloons at 6.15 am, the gas jets roaring into action and the flames illuminating the gloom. The balloons filled to reveal a parade of colour and some special shapes such as Kerbie the frog and a colourful hummingbird.

Live music, a delicious hot breakfast and coffee available for purchase from the Belconnen Lions Club, Mobile Espresso, Poffertjes, Mr Papa and Le Petit Breton accompanied the launch.

Spectators near and far enjoyed a fabulous spectacle as the flight of balloons lifted off and drifted above the city’s national attractions such as the National Arboretum.

For balloon flight bookings call Balloon Aloft on 02 6285 1540 or Dawn Drifters on 02 6285 4450. Free viewing for spectators.

Balloon flights are weather dependent. Call Canberra Connect, follow the Canberra Balloon Spectacular on Facebook, or tune into local radio stations from 6.15 am for daily information.

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is part of the Enlighten Festival and continues until 18 March.

For more information go to http://enlightencanberra.com/canberra-balloon-spectacular/

Local photographer Jack Mohr was on site to capture all the action.

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