The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta is an annual ballooning event in London, which also serves as the aerial extension of the Lord Mayor’s Show. Every summer, about fifty balloons take to the skies over the capital of Great Britain. The official Lord Mayor’s Appeal hot air balloon is usually the first to take off, carrying Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress.
Balloons are launched at sunrise, at about 5:30 am. London City Airport, located in the Royal Docks, was used as a launch site in the past. However, in 2019, 46 balloons were launched from Battersea Park. Every year about £70,000 is raised for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal during the event. The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta raised £250,000 in four years altogether.
Thousands can see striking images of dozens of hot air balloons over London during the Regatta. The colorful fleet can be pictured against the backdrop of the Shard, the Houses of Parliament, and other London landmarks. The event is highly weather dependent. The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta is on standby for every Sunday morning in June with a chance to proceed when the weather is suitable.
