Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Northampton Balloon Festival

Strap in and look up, because the Northampton Balloon Festival is back for 2025—and it's going to be an absolute belter.

Whether you’re there for the sunrise ascents, the sunset glows, or just an excuse to eat too many churros while gawping at giant flying teardrops, this is one summer weekend you won’t want to miss.

It’s three days of colourful chaos, live entertainment and family fun, all finishing with a bang (literally). Here’s everything you need to know before you pack your picnic blanket and head for the skies.

When and Where?

The 2025 Northampton Balloon Festival lands at The Racecourse, Kettering Road, Northampton from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th August. That’s three whole days of fun and frolics, running from 12:00pm to 10:30pm each day.

And yes, there’s parking onsite for £5—so no need to do that awkward “where do I leave the car?” dance around residential streets.

What’s On? Quite Frankly, Everything

This isn’t just about hot air balloons (though there are plenty of those—more on that in a sec). The festival’s absolutely packed with entertainment for the whole family:

• Fun Fair – Scream if you want to go faster (and don’t forget to win a massive teddy you’ll regret carrying 10 minutes later).

• Live Music & Arena Shows – Expect a full line-up of live performances, with everything from musicians to daredevil displays.

• Hot Air Balloon Launches – Get your camera ready. Balloons will take to the skies at sunrise and sunset (6am–7:30am and 6pm–7:30pm), weather permitting.

• Balloon Glow + Fireworks Finale – As the sun goes down, the balloons fire up their burners in unison for a stunning twilight glow, followed by a fireworks show to close the night in style. That’s how you end a festival, folks.

• Birds of Prey – Get up close to some seriously impressive raptors.

• Re-Enactments – A step back in time, complete with costumes, clashing swords and dramatic skirmishes.

• Circus Workshops – Learn to juggle, hula hoop, or just have a laugh trying.

• Food & Drink Stalls – Grab everything from burgers to bubble waffles. Bring your appetite.

• Trade Stalls – From quirky crafts to festival tat you’ll 100% impulse buy.

Balloon Rides: See Northampton from 1,000 Feet

If standing under a hot air balloon isn’t exciting enough, how about getting in one? Vista Balloon Flights will be offering shared and exclusive rides for those brave (or lucky) enough to book in. So if floating over the countryside at sunrise with a camera in one hand and a coffee in the other sounds like your thing—get in early.

Tickets: Cheaper Than a Takeaway

If you're quick, you can grab early bird fast-track tickets for just £2.50 (+ booking fee) via Skiddle. Kids under 1 metre tall get in for free, so bring the little ones for a proper family day out.

On the day:

• Adults: £4

• Children: £3

• Under 1 metre: still free (short kings and queens win again)

Getting There

By Train – Northampton Railway Station is just a short bus or taxi ride away, with regular links to London, Birmingham, and more.

By Car – Pop NN2 6AA into the sat nav and follow signs to The Racecourse. Parking is £5 for the day—first come, first parked.

By Bus – Loads of local routes run right past the park. Check your local operator’s website for times.

By Bike – Bring your wheels and lock up at the event. Just don’t forget where you parked it (looking at you, Dave from last year).

Accessibility

The festival aims to be welcoming for everyone, with on-site accessible facilities and a helping hand where needed. If you have specific requirements, it’s best to contact the organisers in advance.

Fancy Some Fireworks of Your Own?

After watching the night sky light up over Northampton, you might find yourself thinking, “I want a slice of that magic for my own event.”

Well, lucky you. Because here at Epic Fireworks, we stock the UK’s biggest and best range of consumer fireworks—everything from mega rockets to garden-friendly fountains. Whether you’re planning a back garden bonanza or a full-blown party with all the pyro, we’ve got you covered.

Even better, our ready-made DIY display packs take all the guesswork out of planning. Just light the fuse, step back, and take the glory.

Browse our display packs now – and make your next celebration go off with a bang.

Want More Firework Events Like This?

This isn’t the only explosive date in the calendar. From beachside festivals to historic castle displays, there’s a sky full of events happening around the UK this year. You’ll find all the unmissable ones in our handy guide: Your Ultimate Guide to UK Firework Events in 2025.