Hot air balloons shaped like fire extinguishers, coffee cups and houses will be among those taking to the skies above Worcester this month.

The city’s first hot air balloon festival takes place at Pitchcroft on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13.

Worcester Balloon Festival said a total of 58 hot air balloons have applied to take part in what promises to be a spectacular weekend.

What is happening at Worcester Balloon Festival?

Balloon ascents and spectacular ‘night glows’ will take place on both evenings, weather permitting, followed by fireworks displays at 9.30pm.

The Saturday will also see a full schedule of arena entertainment including an American Civil War reenactment with cannons.

There will be motorbike stunts from the Squibb Freestyle motorcycle team and the Stannage Stunt Team.

Live music will come from Vocal High and Got 2 Sing, while there will also be circus workshops taking place throughout Friday evening and all day Saturday.

Guests will get the chance to meet the civil war soldiers and learn how they lived, as well as birds of prey.

What time do gates open at Worcester Balloon Festival?

On Friday, May 12, the festival opens at 4pm and will close at 10.30pm.

Gates then open again on Saturday, May 13 at 12pm, and the festival will stay open again until 10.30pm.

Where to buy tickets for Worcester Balloon Festival

Tickets to the Saturday of the festival are £20, plus a £1 booking fee, for a family ticket (two adults and two children) and can be booked in advance at skiddle.com.

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Organisers have said there will be tickets available to buy on the day, but recommend booking in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.

Where to park for Worcester Balloon Festival

According to the festival organisers, there will be limited parking at the racecourse itself on festival days.

There are plenty of council-operated car parks in the area, including Moors, Pitchcroft, Croft Road, Cattle Market, Newport Street and Crowngate.