Hundreds of people took the opportunity to view the Hunter Valley from a new perspective over the weekend, with the annual Balloon Fiesta attracting joyriders from across the country.
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In its seventh year, the festival kicked off on Friday morning, running until Monday.
More than 500 people took to the skies this year, with 30 balloons launching on each morning of the festival.
Talking on Sunday, senior pilot and event organiser Matt Scaife lauded the sensational conditions during the four-day celebration of the Hunter’s stunning views.
“It’s been perfect, the weather’s been amazing for this time of year. It all came together for this weekend,” he said.
Passengers were treated to gentle westerly winds that took them from the launch site at Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, to their landing site near McDonalds Road, about 10km away.
Mr Scaife said visitors to the attraction ranged from Hunter locals to tourists from across Australia and overseas.
“It’s just been growing every year. We sold out a week in advance,” he said.
One of the new attractions this year was the Hunter Valley Night Glow, held at Roche Estate on Saturday evening, when nine hot air balloons lit up their burners in the dark, choreographed to music.
The event was a sell-out, and for good reason according to Mr Scaife.
“The Night Glow was just spectacular, we had nearly 8000 people there,” he said.
“It was just phenomenal. To be able to put something like that on in the Hunter, where so many locals can come to it, was just great.”