A POPULAR Balloon Festival is taking place again this year without any balloons after the threat of high winds on the day.

The Evesham festival happening at the weekend is likely to be beset by 30mph winds according to weather forecasts making it unsafe for hotair ballooning.

It is the second year in a row that the weather has stopped lift-offs for the two-day event.

As a gesture of goodwill Wychavon District Council has agreed to waive parking charges on Corporation Meadow, given the late change to schedules, on the off-chance people turn up having not heard of the cancellations.

There is still plenty happening including stunt kite flying displays, live music, classic cars, fun fair rides and there will be stalls on Saturday and Sunday at the Crown Meadow venue.

Weather permitting, the grand fireworks finale will complete Saturday’s entertainment at 10.30pm, and the Asparagus Family Fun Run will take place on Sunday in Crown Meadow from 11.30am in aid of the Midlands Air Ambulance.

Kevin Jones, of Evesham Hot Air Fest, said the “extremely difficult decision” particularly as a “record number” of balloons were due to take part.

“Public safety must come first,” he said.