National Ballooning Championships

Event Date: 
02 September 2017 to 09 September 2017
Time: 
06:30am
Price: 
$0.00
Venue: 
Northam Aero Club
Withers Street
NORTHAM

All eyes will be on the skies in Northam this September when the National Ballooning Championships descends on the town in the heart of the Avon Valley creating a spectacular aerial display. After successfully staging this majestic event in 2015, Northam Aero Club won the rights to host again in 2017.

From 2 to 9 September, Balloon pilots from across Australia and around the world will descend on the Avon Valley over five days, testing their skills at varying winds and altitudes. Approximately 30 balloons will be in flight during the course of the event. To see so many colourful balloons in the sky at the one time is a spectacular treat for spectators. Enthusiasts can see the balloons flying across the rolling hills and valleys on competition days at dawn, and again in the afternoon if weather conditions are suitable.

The Balloon Glow is another opportunity to see the competition balloons in all their glory when they gather for a stunning display on the ground fired up after dark. The event concludes with the ‘key grab’ competition where pilots race from point to point, collecting foam ‘keys’ from the end of 10m poles at several locations. The keys represent a key to a prize.

There will be a number of community events organised by the Shire of Northam to coincide with the Championships.

* 2-9 September 2017. The Balloon Glow will be held on the night of 2 September. Practice days are 2-3 September. Competition days are 4-9 September.
* The Balloon Glow will be held at the Henry Street Oval in Northam.
* The competition course and best viewing spots will differ each day based on wind conditions. Spectators should check the event’s Facebook page (Northam Nationals) to see where flights will be each day, or start at the Northam Aero Club at Withers Street Northam to be directed from there to where balloons will take off from that day.
* Morning flights will be from approximately 6.30am to 9am.

It is free to spectate. For more info, visit www.northamnationals.com or email info@northamnationals.com or receive updates on Facebook (www.facebook.com/northamnationals) and Instagram (@northamnationals).

People planning on visiting Northam for a day or overnight are encouraged the check the event’s Facebook page the night before and on the day of competition.

Organiser: 
Northam Aero Club
info@northamnationals.com
www.northamnationals.com

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