Understanding the hot air balloon night glow

During a Balloon Night Glow Hot Air Balloons are inflated and anchored to keep them on the ground instead of letting them ascend. Then Pilots then light up their balloons as directed by the conductor to perform with the rhythm of the music.

Inflating a hot air balloon is quite a process, let alone inflating 10 or more at the same time. It takes co-ordination and skill by both balloon crews and pilots closely working together to achieve this spectacle which is the main event at the Glow festival. These giant balloons stand between 20-30 meters tall off the ground, making them vulnerable to wind. This means for the balloons to perform successfully and safely there needs to be no or very little wind.

This is why we cannot give an exact time the night glow will happen during the event. The earliest it could happen is 5.00pm, the latest 7pm. The balloons will perform to a choreographed soundtrack for approximately 15 - 25 minutes. This performance will be enhanced by a light show. Make sure you have your dancing shoes on!!

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

We will be keeping an eye on the weather forecast and if on Friday night it looks like Sunday will give a better chance for the night glow to happen then we will postpone the event. All tickets will be transferred to Sunday 14th May, there will be no refunds.

Of course, there are no guarantees the balloons can inflate. If it is not safe to inflate the balloons the pilots will perform a 'burner glow' this is where they perform to the choreographed music without the balloons inflated so you can see the giant flames firing into the night sky. This is still spectacular and the soundtrack will have the whole family dancing!

We will do everything we can to perform a full night glow however no one can control the weather and the safety of our crews is a priority. The Hororata Glow Festival offers a huge range of entertainment and activities surrounding the hot air balloons, you will have an amazing time no matter what the weather gods throw at us!

Thanks to Ballooning Canterbury for coordinating all the hot air balloons who have come from all over NZ for this festival.