Get ready for an unforgettable night where giant hot air balloons light up the sky in perfect harmony with music! The Balloon Night Glow is the breathtaking highlight of the festival, but as with all things in aviation, weather plays a crucial role—read on to find out how it all works.

During a Balloon Night Glow, hot air balloons are inflated and securely anchored to the ground instead of ascending. Pilots ignite their burners in sync with a choreographed soundtrack, creating a breathtaking performance of light and music.

Inflating a hot air balloon is a complex process—coordinating 10 or more balloons simultaneously requires teamwork, precision, and skill. Balloon crews and pilots work closely together to create this mesmerizing spectacle. These giant balloons stand 20 to 30 meters tall, making them highly sensitive to wind. For the performance to proceed safely, conditions must be calm, with little to no wind.

Timing and Weather Considerations

Because weather conditions dictate when the Night Glow can take place, we cannot provide an exact start time. The earliest possible time is 5:30 PM, and the latest is 7:00 PM. The performance will last approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

Important: The balloons will not leave the ground at any point during the event.

We will closely monitor the weather forecast. If by Friday night it appears that conditions will be better on Sunday, the event will be postponed to Sunday, 11th May. All tickets will automatically transfer to the new date, and no refunds will be issued.

What Happens If We Can't Inflate the Balloons?

While we will do everything possible to deliver a full Night Glow, safety is our top priority. If wind conditions make it unsafe to inflate the balloons, pilots will perform a 'Burner Glow.' This alternative show features choreographed bursts of flame from the burners, lighting up the night sky in time with the music. It’s still a spectacular sight, and the soundtrack will have the whole family dancing!

Regardless of what the weather brings, the Hororātā Glow Festival offers an incredible range of entertainment and activities alongside the hot air balloons, ensuring a magical experience for all.

A huge thanks to Ballooning Canterbury for coordinating the incredible hot air balloons and pilots who have travelled from across New Zealand and from the USA to be part of this event.