Residents across Penrith and the surrounding Eden Valley were treated to a spectacular sight last night and again this morning as dozens of hot air balloons drifted across the skyline as part of the charity Troutbeck Hot Air Balloon Meet.
With favourable weather conditions allowing flights to take place, as many as 60 balloons are taking to the skies, creating a colourful display visible across the area.
Early risers were rewarded again this morning, with further balloon flights taking place shortly after sunrise.
The Troutbeck Hot Air Balloon Meet is a private gathering of balloonists and their support crews, organised to raise money for charity. Organisers have stressed that the event is not open to the public and there is no public access to the launch site, airfield or surrounding private land.
Despite this, the balloons can be enjoyed from public viewpoints around Penrith and the wider Eden Valley, with many residents sharing photographs and videos of the impressive display this morning on social media.
Weather permitting, there are further opportunity to see the balloons this evening most likely to take place between approximately 6pm and 8pm, and further opportunities on Sunday morning and evening, although all balloon operations remain entirely dependent on weather conditions and can change at short notice organisers have said.
This charity hot air balloon meet is supporting four charities chosen by members of the organising team. The charities are Mentell, which provides safe, confidential spaces for men to talk about their struggles; Tiny Changes, a young people's mental health charity; The Farming Community Network (FCN), which supports farmers and rural families facing difficult circumstances; and MentalK Sittingbourne, a grassroots mental health support organisation.
The organisers have spoken openly about the personal connections behind the charities selected, with mental health awareness and support forming a central theme of this year's fundraising efforts.
For anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of the balloons, the advice is simple: keep an eye on the skies. If conditions remain suitable, residents across in Penrith and surrounding areas could once again witness the impressive sight as dozens of colourful hot air balloons take to the air this evening.
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