So, despite some typically British weather that severely disrupted proceedings, the 2011 event has drawn to a close, albeit a wet one! Strong winds and some heavy rain put paid to alot of the balloon related activities, although there was an informal mass ascent on the Friday evening before the event and a stunning cross-Dartmoor flight on Sunday morning. Featuring up to 30 hot air balloons flying over the West Devon and East Cornwall countryside, this event is the ‘original’ South West balloon fiesta, having first been held in 1992.

For the 2011 event, a team from University College Falmouth were engaged to make a short film. Their brief was simple: capture the essence of ballooning at the event – the characters, the colours, the scenery. The end result is a film which makes us pine for the summer days again. So sit back, kick off your shoes and watch!

Filmed by: Rich Stephens / John Howe / Grant Batty / Nick Pearson
Edited by: John Howe Coloured by: Rich Stephens Music by: Benjamin Francis Leftwich

After their support in 2010, which enabled the event to go ahead again after a 2 year hiatus, we are delighted that Robert Wiseman Dairies, one of the UK’s largest dairy processors, once again sponsored the event.  Their own unique cow print balloon attended the event, as well as their superb event milk bar, where visitors sampled from a range of Wiseman products.

The 2010 event raised over £15,000 for local charities and community organisations in Devon & Cornwall and in 2011 we’re hoping that we’ll have raised a good sum despite the weather! Since the first event in 1992, over £250,000 has been raised!

All profits from the event will be going to local and regional charities supported by event organisers, the Lions Club of Tavistock and Tavistock Round Table.