Shropshire, UK – (23rd July, 2012) Virgin Balloon Flights, the UK’s largest hot air ballooning company, will be celebrating the Great British summer by hosting a unique tea party in the sky, and are offering one lucky winner the chance to be a guest.

The special flight will take place at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on August 10th at Ashton Court in Bristol - one of Virgin Balloon Flights’ 100+ UK locations for balloon rides.

Passengers will be served finger sandwiches and cream cakes on china crockery as they float over Bristol in a spectacular mass ascent with scores of other balloons. Twinings tea, English sparkling wine and traditional lemonade will also be poured instead of the usual champagne.

Weather permitting, the balloon will soar up to at least 1000ft in the air; the event is thought to be one of the highest open-air tea parties ever organised.

Virgin Balloon Flights’ pilot Mark Simmons, from Atworth near Bath, will fly the 100ft tall balloon for the unusual tea party. Mr Simmons, who has been flying for 23 years and holds the world record for the highest concert in a hot air balloon, said it promised to be an unforgettable occasion.

He said: “There is so much positive patriotic energy around at the moment and, as our balloon rides give people a unique way to see beautiful Britain, we wanted to do something fun to capture that feeling. What better way than with a tea party in a hot air balloon, following in the fine Victorian traditions where an impressive venue was just as important as the china, doilies, scones and cream teas? I think we’ve got that covered!”

Twelve passengers will be on board the flight, and Virgin Balloon Flights are running a prize draw offering one winner and a guest the chance to take part, including a hotel stay the night before. They will also receive a Classic Tea Hamper, courtesy of Twinings, and a copy of the new ‘Great British Bake-off - How to Turn Everyday Bakes into Showstoppers’ book by Linda Collister, published by BBC Books.

To enter, visit http://www.facebook.com/virginballoonflights and click the ‘Win’ tab, where you will find more details and full terms and conditions.

About Virgin Balloon Flights:
Virgin Balloon Flights is the UK’s largest hot air ballooning company, offering Champagne balloon rides and ballooning experiences from over 100 launch sites in England, Scotland and Wales. Follow in the footsteps of adventurer Sir Richard Branson and see beautiful Britain from an amazing new perspective - or make someone’s day with a ticket to the sky. Limited spaces are still available on normal flights at Bristol Balloon Fiesta – please call 0844 844 8080 or email [email protected] for more information or to book.

Contact:
Alex Ferguson
Virgin Balloon Flights
Jesson House, Stafford Court
Telford, Shropshire, UK
Zip: TF3 3BD
Tel: 01952 212750
Email: [email protected]