THE countdown has begun to the Westcountry Balloon Fiesta — returning after a gap of three years.

The event, organised by the Lions Club of Tavistock and Tavistock Round Table, takes place over the first weekend of September.

The revival of the fiesta has been made possible by the generous sponsorship of Robert Wiseman Dairies and financial support from Tavistock Town Council.

But it has meant a move to a smaller site along Crowndale Road, beyond the junior football pitches, due to the construction of the athletics track and all-weather pitches at the previous venue, Tavistock College.

Thirty of these flying giants, including Wiseman's own balloon, have already registered to attend.

Organisers plan to allow spectators much greater access to the ballooning arena prior to launch so that they can have a closer look at the hot air balloons and the associated equipment.

Because of the smaller site, there will not be the arena entertainment there has been in the past but there will be bouncy castles for the children, food outlets and a licensed bar with live music run by the Round Table.

Gates will open at 3pm on both days with balloon ascents scheduled from 5.45pm onwards with a night glow to music at dusk on the Saturday and entrance costing only £1 per person with free car parking.

As in the past, the organisers are offering space to any local charities who wish to join them over the weekend in order to raise funds for their own good causes.

An application form can be found by clicking 'Latest News' on the Fiesta website at http://www.westcountyballoons.com">www.westcountyballoons.com or they can contact Simon Luke on 01822 614278.

The organisers are delighted the fiesta is returning to the Tavistock calendar as it has been sorely missed by many people in the south west, but they ask everybody to keep their fingers firmly crossed for some calm and dry conditions — ballooning tends to be weather-dependant.