Scotland's only hot air balloon festival returns next week for magical three day spectacle

Scotland NowStrathavenThe annual event draws in thousands each year13:10, 18 Aug 2026Scotland's only hot air balloon festival returns to the small South Lanarkshire town of Strathaven next week.‌The annual event, which draws in thousands each year, will take place on August 28 until August 30. It follows last year's 25th anniversary celebrations which saw over 106 hot air balloon flights take place.‌The festival is a completely free event with no entry tickets required. While the public can't fly in the balloons during the festival, there is a raffle held over the weekend giving guests the chance to win a flight.‌This year's Strathaven celebration is set to be another huge spectacle with plenty planned including the balloon flights, a professional skydiving display, a fun fair, and stalls