MORE than 75 balloons took to the skies during Tavistock?s Balloon Fiesta and Day at the Races last weekend watched by crowds of more than 10,000 people. With appalling weather conditions affecting balloon festivals in Bristol and Northampton this year, Tavistock, returning to its old ground of Tavistock College, could boast the biggest display in 2006. Choosing the event as the backdrop to the BBC Spotlight weather forecast on Friday night proved to be a good omen as conditions were suitable for flying on Friday night and Sunday morning and afternoon. A fun-packed weekend of entertainment and sideshows including children?s entertainers, helicopter flights, pantomime horse races, interactive balloon events, ski slope and bumper charity bazaar was a response to the criticism that the event was ?just about balloons.? The traditional night glow on Saturday once again wowed the crowds and event organisers were delighted to see blind pilot Jamie Weller participate in all the weekend?s three flights. Steve Grummitt, press officer for organisers Tavistock Lions and Tavistock Round Table said main sponsors Redrow Homes had enabled the Lions to spend more money on entertainment and advertising. ?We had a very successful weekend and we were delighted especially after the disappointment last year when we had to cancel the fiesta,? he said.
