THINGS that go up — and things that come down — are set to provide exciting sights at this year's Westcountry Balloon Fiesta.

The event, held in the grounds of Tavistock College over the August Bank Holiday weekend, is being organised by Tavistock Lions Club and Tavistock Round Table.

This year for the first time, not only will spectators have the magnificent sight of more than 30 hot air balloons ascending into the skies, they will also have the spectacle of the Falling Rocks free fall parachute team descending.

As well as the airborne entertainment there is also the ever-popular pantomime horse racing 'A Day at the Races'.

The weekend begins on Friday, August 25, when the first hot air balloon ascent takes place at 6.30pm. Later in the evening there will be the visually spectacular balloon glow to music. Folk music will take place in the main marquee.

For the early birds, balloon flights take place at 6am the following morning with afternoon activities starting at 2pm with an antiques and craft fair in the college hall.

Horse racing starts at 3pm with the first drop by the Falling Rocks at 4.45pm. The evening balloon ascent is planned for 6pm with a further parachute jump at 8pm followed by a Saturday balloon glow at 8.45pm. Musical entertainment for the evening is by the Cats Whisker Jazz Band.

Sunday sees more early morning balloon flights scheduled for 6am with the Far West Area Tug-o-War championships starting the afternoon programme at 2pm.

The Day at the Races starts at 3pm with the final parachute jump at 4.45pm.

There will be a farmers' produce market throughout the afternoon in the college hall and an inter-pub skittle competition on the college grounds. The final balloon ascent of the festival is planned for 6pm.

Other attractions throughout the weekend include GT Quad bikes for children, soft-play area and a display of military equipment and uniforms by the Devon and Cornwall Military Vehicle Club.

A charity bazaar will also be held in the main marquee over the weekend and already ten charities have agreed to take part following the success of last year's event. Any local charities wishing to have a stall should contract Steve Grummitt on (01822) 615526.

Last year the Fiesta raised around £7,000 for local charities. With this year's expanded programme the organisers are confident this figure will be bettered. Among the chosen charities are Tavistock Hospital, Dartmoor Rescue Group, RNLI and Rapid UK, an organisation providing assistance at major disasters such as earthquakes.