Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta 2025

Admin

May 7, 2025
3 min read

Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta 2025

There’s something quietly magical about waking up early in the capital and catching a rare glimpse of hot air balloons drifting over the skyline. The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta, once planned as an annual event, has only lifted off four times since its first launch in 2015. The event hasn’t taken place at all since 2019. Now, 2025 could finally bring it back.

This year’s regatta is pencilled in for Sunday 11th May, with balloons expected to lift off from Battersea Park at around 5:30am. If all goes well with the weather, still the main reason behind previous cancellation, the early morning sky could be filled with colour once again, floating past Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Tower Bridge.

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However, organisers are also keeping two backup dates in reserve: 20th and 27th July. That gives Londoners more than one shot to witness the spectacle. Up to 50 balloons are expected to take part, making it one of the most striking events on the calendar, if the winds cooperate.

There’s more to it than the view. The regatta was created to raise awareness and funds for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, which supports projects across London focusing on mental health, youth opportunity and homelessness. Since its start, the event has helped generate over £250,000 for these causes.

If you’re hoping to see the flight, you’ll need to be up before sunrise. With take-off scheduled for half-past five in the morning, Battersea Park will be the place to be. And even if you’re not there in person, there’s every chance you’ll spot the balloons gliding over the city from your window or commute.

More information on this year’s Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Ballon regatta is available via the official balloon event updates, including confirmation on whether the launch goes ahead or is postponed. The website will share weather updates and final timings as the dates approach.

For more updates on London’s summer events and further insights, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.