London hot air balloon show cancelled again after last-minute weather issues

A hot air balloon event in London has been cancelled due to last-minute weather issues. The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta would have seen dozens of hot air balloons floating across the horizon this morning (Sunday, July 21).

It was originally due to take place on Sunday 7 July, but ‘unstable weather conditions’ prevented it from happening. It has now been postponed until next Sunday (28 July). It hasn’t taken place since 2019 – it was cancelled twice due to Covid, then twice more due to weather issues.

Taking to Instagram to share the disappointing news, Exclusive Ballooning wrote: “Unfortunately, the predicted change in wind direction did not materialise, and we have made the difficult decision to cancel the scheduled flight this morning for the safety of all teams on board. We appreciate the support of everyone involved, especially the public who interacted with us and attended the flight.”

FIND OUT MORE: ‘I was shocked to learn I loved the pesto ice cream at London’s weirdest ice cream shop’

They added: “We now move forward to our next waiting date next Sunday, July 28th.”

The event would have seen up to 50 hot air balloons take off from Battersea Park at around 5am, raising money for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. The launch site is not open to the public, but many gather nearby to watch them take off.

The canceled event prompted followers to share their disappointment in the comments section.

One Instagram user said: “Shout out to everyone who dedicated their Sunday morning to trying to see the show! Anyone in Battersea fancy a coffee?”

A second wrote: “A monumental waste of time made worse by the complete lack of updates. Should have known better as the event has been consistently cancelled at the last minute since 2019.”

And a third said: “And the fickle British weather wins again. What a shame, fingers crossed for next weekend. Hopefully the teams aren’t too exhausted after what has undoubtedly been a long morning.”

Stay up to date with London’s most exciting events, newest restaurants and latest deals with our What’s On, Going Out newsletter. You can register here.