Rising on a gust of wind

The National Hot Air Balloon Championships are soaring in Newcastle.

If you look up, you might see the eleven balloons, which arrived in town on Tuesday, ahead of the 36th annual event.

Among competitors is Mathijs de Bruijn from Amsterdam.

Well-respected in the world of hot air ballooning, his presence in Newcastle takes the local hosting of the championships into a league of its own.

The other competitors include:

Eugene Schilz, Danie Minnaar, Japie Leipoldt, Felicity Clegg, David McGregor, Marc Nuthall, Martin Lofty-Eaton, Danie Honiball, Richard Bovell, Vincent Cook and Jim Seaton-Rogers.

Daily results are available on https://www.debruijn.de/bscoring/peno/enb/results.htm

“The event will start at about 6am every morning and again at 2pm every afternoon. Times are weather permitting and can change, as will the venue,” said host, Johan Pieters.

For updates of where and when balloons will be each day, residents are invited to send a Whatsapp message to 082 923 0078.

On Sunday, balloons will be flown out to the Madadeni Stadium.

Film crews from Kwêla are scheduled to arrive in Newcastle on Friday and Saturday, and residents are invited to show their support at the flying sites.

Companies wishing to be involved as a prize sponsor or in other ways, can contact Mr Pieters on 082 923 0078.

DAY 1: Unfortunately due to unfavorable wind speeds, the morning flight was cancelled. The afternoon flight will take place at 2pm 

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