Bad weather spikes London hot air balloon regatta… again

This is the second time the much-anticipated event has been cancelled this year alone, having not taken place since 2019.

Not to burst your bubble, but those hoping to catch sight of a certain colourful fleet drifting over London today will have to wait a little longer.

The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon has not graced the capital’s skyline since 2019, having been twice cancelled due to COVID, and twice more due to issues of bad weather. 

This year’s race was due to take place on Sunday after being moved back from its initial date two weeks ago. But again, the elements have conspired against the event. 

Exclusive Ballooning, the outfit behind the regatta, posted on Instagram this morning: ‘Unfortunately the forecast change in wind direction has not materialised, and we have made the difficult decision to stand down the scheduled flight this morning for the safety of all teams on board.

‘We appreciate the support from everyone involved, especially the public who have interacted with us and come out for the flight.’

Organisers added that a new date has been set for next Sunday, when the forecast calls for brighter, less breezy climes.

Many who’d gathered near the launch site in Battersea Park to watch more than 50 balloons take off at 5AM were nevertheless bitterly disappointed by the news.

As one person wrote in the comments section of the post: ‘Monumental waste of time made worse by complete lack of updates. 

‘Should have known better really seeing as the event has consistently been cancelled at the last minute since 2019.’

Another user added: ‘And the fickle British weather wins again. Such a shame, fingers crossed for next weekend. 

‘Hope the teams are not too exhausted after what has doubtless been a long morning.’

Billed as ‘the official ballooning event of The City of London’ and the ‘aerial extension of the historic Lord Mayor’s Show’, the regatta aims to raise money for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, which strives to solve some of the most pressing societal issues facing Londoners.

The 2019 event, which represented the first and to-date only time the balloons have taken off, raised around £76,000 towards those causes, including health and inclusivity, among others.

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