Hot air balloons set to soar over London in July

Dozens of hot air balloons are set to soar above London’s skyline later this year for the first time since 2019.

The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta is scheduled to take place in July.

Organisers have earmarked 7 July, 21 July and 28 July as standby dates for the mass lift-off of around 50 balloons.

They will take to the skies over central London on the first date the weather is suitable.

The event, which aims to generate awareness about the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, has raised more than £250,000 since 2015.

It was last held in 2019, when 46 hot air balloons launched from Battersea Park at 05:30 BST and floated through the skies across central London.

It was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And in 2022 and 2023 it was stood down due to poor weather.

Organisers say the balloons this year will take flight with the intention of passing by landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

The Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli will lead the event, the organisers added.