London Hot Air Balloon Regatta 2024: When and where will the event take place

The Lord Mayor’s Hot Balloon Regatta involves up to 50 vibrant hot-air balloons taking over central London every year.

The balloons were set to be launched at 5am on Sunday July 21 from Battersea Park but the event was postponed for the second time this year.

The event involves the balloons floating over landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

The event aims to raise awareness and funds for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, which aims to create a better city for all by making it more inclusive, healthy, skilled, and fair.

The last time the event took place was in 2019. The 2020 event was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic, while the following 2021, 2022 and 2023 events didn’t go ahead due to bad weather conditions.

The regatta is organised by aerial marketing company Exclusive Ballooning, who have helped run the event since 2015.

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What are the standby dates?

The next standby date has been earmarked for Sunday July 28. Updates on whether the regatta is taking place will be posted on the company's social media pages.

Where is it taking place?

The Lord Mayor’s Hot Balloon Regatta takes place every year at Battersea Park.

As always, the regatta will kick off with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress’s hot-air balloon being launched.

Can I get tickets?

The balloon regatta isn’t open to the public however the balloons will journey across the capital’s sky where members of the public can enjoy the view from various locations in London.

The event raises funds for its charities through corporate sponsorships rather than ticket sales.

What is the Lord Mayor saying?

The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Nicholas Lyons – who will be flying in one of the balloons with the Lord Mayoress – said:

“I am delighted that the Hot Air Balloon Regatta is back this year. The Lady Mayoress and I look forward to flying above London as part of this very special event. Raising funds and awareness for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal and its charity partners – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, MQ Mental Health Research and National Numeracy – is important for the whole City of London. The Regatta and its corporate partners are supporting the Appeal in its aim to create an inclusive, healthy, fair and skilled city – A Better City for All. 

“This includes initiatives to promote inclusive workplaces, better understand mental health, support philanthropy and improve numeracy for everyone. In short, the Regatta – one of the most unique, fun and colourful events of any Mayoralty – is raising money to improve lives across the capital and beyond.”