The Hororātā Glow Festival is a spectacular event brought to you by the Hororātā Community Trust and Ballooning Canterbury.

About the Hororātā Glow Festival

The Hororātā Glow Festival is a biennial celebration of light, community, and connection, set to return on Saturday, 10th May 2025. This iconic event, hosted in the heart of Waikirikiri Selwyn, brings together families, friends, and visitors from all over to experience the wonder of hot-air balloons, captivating entertainment, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

At its heart, the Hororātā Glow Festival is about giving back. Organized by the Hororātā Community Trust, a registered charity, the festival drives the growth and development of our rural community. Together with Ballooning Canterbury, a local family business offering breathtaking scenic adventures, and the dedication of over 130 volunteers, we deliver a truly unique event that embodies the spirit and resilience of our region.

Why It Matters

• Unforgettable Experiences: The Hororātā Glow Festival provides visitors with a truly magical experience, from the awe-inspiring sight of glowing hot-air balloons to live performances, family-friendly activities, and a chance to enjoy the best of Waikirikiri Selwyn’s rural hospitality. The festival creates moments that people treasure, leaving them inspired to return year after year.

• Community Investment: All profits from the festival are reinvested into developing the Hororātā Community Hall. This project will preserve the historic Hororātā Hall while creating a vibrant, modern space to serve the community’s evolving needs and attract visitors to our region.

• Support for Local Groups: The festival provides a platform for numerous community groups to fundraise for their own causes, fostering collaboration and mutual support across the district.

• Economic Impact: The Hororātā Glow Festival supports local businesses and stallholders, showcasing a wide range of goods, food, and services. The influx of visitors also boosts the wider regional economy, creating opportunities for growth and promoting Waikirikiri Selwyn as a must-visit destination.

Making It Possible

Every aspect of the Hororātā Glow Festival—from the breathtaking hot-air balloon displays to the engaging entertainment—is powered by our community. It’s a festival by the people, for the people, showcasing the strength, innovation, and unity of our rural heartland.

Community groups involved in the 2025 Hororata Glow Festival:

• Glentunnel Primary School

• Darfield High School

• Hororata Primary School

• Sunrise Rotary

• Rolleston Rotary

• Hororata Parish

• Windwhistle School

• Malvern Lions 

• Organ Donation Awareness

• Coalgate Fire Bridge

• Selwyn Rugby Club

• West Eyreton Friends of the School

• Hororata Target Shooting Club

• Canterbury Astronomical Society

• Lake Coleridge Tourism Group

By supporting the Hororātā Glow Festival, you’re not just contributing to an extraordinary event—you’re helping to build a brighter future for our community.

Thank you for supporting our community.