THE FIRST-EVER Cheshire Ballon Fiesta has got off to a flying start.

Nearly two dozen balloons took to the sky over Bolesworth Castle on Friday evening, as the three-day festival got underway.

Balloonists had travelled from across Europe for the occasion, impressing the crowd with their colourful and unique character shapes, including a frog, a bear and a chick in an egg.

Northwich Guardian: Balloons take off over Bolesworth CastleBalloons take off over Bolesworth Castle (Image: Milner Creative)

It wasn’t just the balloons keeping people entertained either, with a wide range of entertainment taking place as well.

Visitors enjoyed performances from the likes of Dick and Dom, Justin Fletcher, Megan McKenna, Boyzlife, Chris Moyles and Heather Small.

There was also interactive entertainment in the form of yoga and raves for little ones, a roller rink, and craft tents.

Over 15,000 tickets have already been sold for the weekend, with plenty more to come.

Across today and tomorrow there will be performances from Gabrielle, Disco Classical, Sister Sledge, Rak-Su, Phats & Small, Scouting for Girls, Ministry of Sound and The Vamps.

The showpiece mass balloon launches and night glows are planned for each evening, weather permitting.

The weekend is set to close out with a firework display on Sunday evening at 10pm.

Tickets are still available to purchase online at www.cheshireballoonfiesta.co.uk, with parking available on site and included in all ticket admissions.

There are also daily shuttle buses running every 15 minutes from Chester Train station, thanks to Tuned in Travel.

Northwich Guardian: Over 15,000 tickets have been sold for the three-day festivalOver 15,000 tickets have been sold for the three-day festival (Image: Milner Creative)

Saturday schedule

  • 10:00 / Event opens
  • 12:00 / Cosmic Kids Yoga
  • 13:00 / YolanDa’s Band Jam
  • 14:30 / Andy & The Odd Socks
  • 16:00 / Huge Party Band
  • 17:30 / Gabrielle
  • 18:30 / Mass Balloon Launch*
  • 19:30 / Disco Classical
  • 21:00 / Sister Sledge
  • 22:00 / Night Glow*
  • 22:30 / Event closes

Sunday schedule

  • 10:00 / Event opens
  • 12:00 / Mr Motivator
  • 14:30 / Rak-Su
  • 16:00 / Phats & Small
  • 17:30 / Scouting for Girls
  • 18:30 / Mass Balloon Launch*
  • 19:30 / Ministry of Sound
  • 21:00 / The Vamps
  • 22:00 / Firework Finale
  • 22:30 / Event closes