This April the skies above North East Victoria transform into something truly special.
This year the region will host one of the most colourful aviation spectacles in Australia as the Art of Flight Festival arrives the week after Easter, running from 6–12 April.
Centred at historic Benalla Airport, the festival’s centrepiece is the Art of Flight International Balloon Championship, where 30 hot air balloons from Australia and around the world will take to the skies.
During the week, visitors will see these spectacular aircraft drifting across the morning horizon and evening skies as pilots compete in precision navigation challenges.
For Australian competitors the stakes are even higher, as they will also be contesting the National Ballooning Titles, with the top pilots seeking selection to represent Australia at the FAI World Hot Air Balloon Championship this September.
The festival will welcome international competitors and officials from the UK, China, New Zealand, the USA and Japan, including world number three and former world champion Dom Bareford.
One of the festival’s most exciting public events will take place on Saturday, 11 April from 4–9pm at the Wangaratta Turf Club, where balloon lovers are invited to Australia’s first ever Balloon Glow and Drone Show.
Families can meet Finley the Turtle, a delightful balloon that has travelled all the way from the United Kingdom, and see the Royal Australian Air Force balloon team on display.
As sunset falls, around 25 balloons will glow in synchronised light to music, followed by an animated illuminated drone show lighting up the night sky.
Food and drinks will be available, family picnics are welcome, and tickets can be booked online at art-of-flight.com.
For those wanting to experience the magic first-hand, the festival offers the chance to “Fly with the Fleet".
These special hot air balloon flights run throughout the week and allow passengers to watch the sunrise from the sky while joining a mass balloon ascension — one of the most breath-taking sights in aviation as dozens of balloons fly together.
Weekday passengers can use the promo code “WEEKDAYS” for an $80 per person flight discount.
The festival continues Sunday morning from 7–11am with a Balloon and Aircraft Fly In at Benalla Airport.
Visitors can watch balloon pilots compete in the thrilling Key Grab, where they navigate in from five kilometres away and attempt to snatch a key from a four-metre pole to unlock a prize.
The Benalla Aviation Museum will showcase its impressive collection of aircraft including the Winjeel and Moth Minor, alongside a special visiting aircraft appearance.
Guests can also experience gliding displays from the Gliding Club of Victoria, with a flight simulator, static displays and glider flights available.
Balloon Glow tickets, flights and festival information are available now at art-of-flight.com.