Families from across the UK who set out for Wiltshire this weekend hoping to witness the vibrant spectacle of hot air balloons at Longleat Safari Park were met with disappointment, as the annual Icons of the Sky festival was grounded by relentless bad weather. What began as a highly anticipated event, drawing thousands each year to the historic estate near Warminster, quickly became a lesson in the unpredictability of British weather and the importance of safety above all else.
The festival, scheduled from Friday, September 12, to Sunday, September 14, 2025, was meant to be a highlight of the late summer calendar. Colorful balloons, planned fireworks, and the excitement of mass ascensions were all on the agenda. Yet, as reported by the Wiltshire Times and confirmed by Longleat itself, high winds and persistent weather warnings overshadowed the festivities from the very start.
On both Friday and Saturday, the park welcomed visitors as planned, but not a single hot air balloon could take to the skies. Organizers cited safety concerns, with strong gusts and low cloud cover making any flight too risky. The disappointment was palpable among attendees, but many accepted the situation with a sense of resignation familiar to anyone who has ever planned an outdoor event in the UK.
Then, on Sunday morning, just after 10 a.m., the final blow came. In a statement issued at 10:05 a.m., festival organizers announced, “Despite our best efforts, the weather has beaten us and sadly Icons of the Sky 2025 has had to wrap early as it would not be safe to fly planes or balloons due to the strong winds forecast, as well as low cloud creating poor visibility. Longleat remains open with plenty to do and see until 5pm.”
The news hit hardest for those already en route. One family from Swindon, speaking to the Wiltshire Times, shared, “It is a shame the event has been cancelled today. We have been to the event before and it was fantastic. We found out the rest of the event was cancelled as we were driving there today, as much as it is disappointing, we know there is still lots to see and do and we will make the most of the safari and other exhibits.”
Social media echoed this sense of letdown, with one visitor posting, “I'm gutted - we are on route now. Safety first, I understand, but maybe they should change the time of year they do it. We bought an annual membership this year especially.”
Others, however, took the disappointment in stride, recognizing the inherent risks of weather-dependent events. Averil, who traveled from Bridgwater, reflected, “We were there yesterday, and yes it was disappointing not to see the balloons, but it's a chance you take. The British weather has always been unreliable, but there's more to Longleat than Balloons. We were thrilled to see the Hippos yesterday, and to spend quality time with friends.”
Longleat Safari Park, for its part, expressed gratitude to the balloonists, pilots, air crews, and behind-the-scenes teams who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend. Organizers also confirmed that all planned fireworks and tethering events for Sunday would be cancelled, as the entire Icons of the Sky festival was officially closed early. Despite the setback, the park remained open until 5 p.m. on Sunday, offering guests the opportunity to explore its renowned safari and other attractions.
Yet, the weather woes for Longleat were far from over. No sooner had the festival’s closure been announced than the park braced itself for an even more severe challenge: Storm Amy. According to updates published by Longleat and reported by local media, the storm was expected to hit Wiltshire with heavy rain and high winds on Monday, September 15, 2025. The UK Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the region, with the threat of dangerous conditions persisting until Monday evening.
In a proactive move, Longleat Safari Park announced it would close its doors entirely on Monday to ensure the safety of both its animals and visitors. A spokesperson for the park explained, “Due to Storm Amy, we have taken the decision to close on Monday, September 15, to ensure you are kept safe. If you would like to move your booking to another date free of charge, please contact Guest Services on [email protected] or 01985 844400 by 1pm on Tuesday 16 September. After this time, you will be refunded automatically to the card you used to make the original payment within the next 10 working days.”
The park also clarified that guests with VIP experiences, corporate bookings, or coach party reservations would be contacted directly within two days. The hope, staff said, was to reopen on Tuesday, September 16, but this would depend on a reassessment of the weather conditions. “We really appreciate your understanding at this time and look forward to welcoming you to Longleat soon,” the spokesperson added.
For many families, the dual blow of a cancelled festival and a storm-related closure was a major disappointment, especially for those who had planned their trips well in advance. Still, the overwhelming sentiment was one of understanding. Safety, after all, must come first—particularly when it comes to events involving flight or the care of exotic animals.
The weekend’s events also highlight the growing impact of unpredictable weather patterns on outdoor attractions and festivals across the UK. While the British climate has always been a wildcard, recent years have seen a marked increase in weather-related disruptions, from music festivals to sporting events and, as this weekend showed, even the most cherished family traditions.
Yet, even amid the frustration, there were silver linings. Many visitors made the most of their time at Longleat, exploring the safari park’s other offerings—from its famous lions and hippos to the stately home and gardens. For some, the weekend became less about balloons and more about unexpected adventures and quality time with loved ones.
As Storm Amy swept in, Longleat’s quick response and commitment to guest safety stood out. By offering flexible booking changes and prompt refunds, the park demonstrated a customer-focused approach that many guests appreciated. And while the skies over Wiltshire remained stubbornly gray, the spirit of the event—and the resilience of its attendees—shone through.
With the hope of clearer skies ahead, Longleat looks forward to welcoming guests back soon, balloons or not. The memory of this blustery weekend will linger, but so too will the lessons in patience, flexibility, and finding joy in the unexpected.
