Visitors to the Doncaster Balloon Festival at Town Fields voiced frustration after balloons were unable to fly for a second day running, with organisers saying high winds put flights beyond safe operating limits.
Weather blamed as aerial displays cancelled
A festival spokesperson said upper wind speeds were too strong to allow balloon flights or parachute displays, adding that safety was the priority. According to organisers, the upper winds were measured at over 30mph, which prevented a parachute team from performing as planned.
“Un fortunately it is too windy for the balloons to fly this evening. The wind speeds are well above the balloons safe operating limits and the safety of all is paramount.”
The cancellations mark the second year in a row that planned balloon flights at the event have been abandoned. In 2025, weather warnings forced organisers to scrap flights on both days. Since the festival’s arrival in Doncaster in 2024, the event has also been linked to a separate serious incident during a stunt display and occasional disruption to local roads when balloons have landed away from the site.
Local disruption and rising anger over costs
Alongside safety-related cancellations, some attendees criticised the event’s organisation and prices. One visitor described food and fairground tariffs as “extortionate” and “ridiculously” high. The festival’s track record has prompted concern among nearby communities and residents’ groups, who have previously sought reassurances about traffic and safety after problems at a related event elsewhere.
- Balloon flights grounded for a second consecutive day due to strong winds
- Upper winds measured at over 30mph, cancelling parachute display
- Complaints about high costs and past incidents since festival arrived in 2024
There have been instances of local traffic being affected when balloons touched down away from Town Fields. The source material notes an occasion when two balloons landed on Stainforth Road, briefly blocking the carriageway, and recalls a serious injury sustained by a stunt rider at the 2024 event.
What this means for residents and visitors
Organisers say aerial activity is always dependent on conditions and that decisions to cancel are made for safety reasons. For locals and visitors, that means plans to see daytime or evening flights can be disrupted at short notice when winds pick up. Those attending future events should check official festival communications and local weather warnings before travelling and be prepared for parking and traffic diversions if displays are altered.
| Issue | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Wind speed | Upper winds reported at over 30mph |
| Previous cancellations | 2025: flights scrapped after Met Office warnings; 2024: stunt rider seriously injured |
| Local disruption | Instances of balloons landing on nearby roads and traffic disruption |
Town Field community groups have previously asked organisers to provide reassurances after traffic problems at another event put a strain on neighbouring areas. Some residents have questioned whether the festival should continue in its current form unless organisers can demonstrate improvements to planning, safety contingencies and better value for visitors.
For now, event goers were left disappointed on Town Fields as the promise of colourful flights failed to materialise once again.
