Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta confirms Castle Howard as new venue for 2023

The organisers of an annual balloon festival have confirmed this year's event will take place at Castle Howard.

The Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta has been held at York Racecourse since it began in 2017.

However, last September the racecourse said it would not return to the venue due to changes in its schedule.

The festival will take place at the stately home near Malton over the August bank holiday weekend. Eurovision singer Sam Ryder is due to perform.

Organiser John Lowery said the choice of Castle Howard for the festival, which attracts up to 60,000 visitors, had come after "much deliberation" and would enable it to expand.

"The estate will be a stunning backdrop for the hot air balloons launching and our entertainment stage, with a star-studded line-up of musicians and entertainers," he said.

"We are also thrilled to be able to offer camping, so visitors have the option to stay and enjoy the whole four-day experience or visit for a day trip."

The event, when held in York, was subject to date moves in recent years due to a clash with a race meeting and Covid restrictions.

It also drew criticism at times due to its impact on traffic congestion in the city.

Organisers said the event at Castle Howard would feature hot air balloon launches, with up to 50 expected from across Europe, as well as night sky displays and live music performances.

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