[title]
It’s that time of year again. The time when dozens of magnificent hot air balloons may or may not soar above London’s skyline. Though the Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta first launched in 2015 and was intended to be annual event, it’s actually only happened four times. Everything was going smoothly up to 2019, then in 2020 it was cancelled due to Covid and every year since then it has been scuppered by bad weather.
This year’s regatta has already tried and failed twice. Sunday, May 11 was the first date pencilled in for the 2025 event, but the balloons were stood down due to high winds. The second date was Sunday July 20, when the event was called off due to forecasted rain and wind.
But all is not lost! There is one more potential date in July that is earmarked for take-off – and it’s this coming weekend. Here’s what you need to know about last-chance plans for this year’s Balloon Regatta.
When is the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Balloon Regatta in London?
Could 2025 be the year that the balloons soar high above the city once more? We hope so. Following failed attempts in May and last weekend, this year’s Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta is now next set to take place on Sunday, July 27.
What time does the event start?
If the weather holds up the balloons will take to the skies at 5.30am from Battersea Park. By sunrise, you should be able to see the whole parade of balloons floating peacefully above iconic London landmarks Buckingham Palace and the London Eye to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
What other potential dates could the event take place?
If the Balloon Regatta doesn’t take place this weekend, that’s it for this year. The event will (hopefully) return for more attempts in 2026. You can find updates for this year’s regatta over on its website.
It’s not just a pretty sight. The extravaganza was created to help raise awareness of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, an initiative that has raised more than £250,000 since 2015 for local charities committed to things like mental health, empowering young people and ending homelessness.
What’s the weather forecast?
The coming Sunday is looking alright for flying hot air balloons. The Met Office reckons the day will see ‘sunny intervals changing to cloudy by late morning’, though there’s some chance of rain throughout the day. It could be a bit windy, but no storms are currently forecast.
Take a look at all the other best things happening in London this month.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.