Longleat's Icons of the Sky: All you need to know

Making its Longleat debut, the Wednesday Addams' hot air balloon will take part in flights each day during Icons of the Sky

The sky above Longleat will be filled with hot air balloons this weekend as the annual Icons of the Sky event returns for 2025.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to the Wiltshire estate from 12 to 14 September to watch the spectacle, which also includes aircraft air displays.

Visitors can look out for a Wednesday Addams-themed hot air balloon, Astro the Alien, as well as several animal-themed airborne attractions.

Here is a handy guide to help you prepare for this year's event.

Do I need tickets?

Yes. Icons of the Sky is included in the cost of a Longleat day ticket - with prices ranging from £44.95 to £46.95 for adults and £33.70 to £35.20 for children - which means guests can visit the estate's new hippodrome, explore Longleat's railway or brave the monkey enclosure, in between Icons of the Sky events.

Longleat pass holders can join on the Friday or Sunday for £1 with a day ticket. Special reduced price tickets are available for pass holders on 13 September.

How do I get there?

Astro the Alien will be visiting our planet on all three days of the festival

Parking is free at Longleat with accessible parking in the Lime Tree and Silver Birch car parks. Electric chargers are located at the Silver Birch car park.

Frome, Warminster and Westbury are the nearest train stations for those looking to grab a connecting taxi to the Wiltshire estate.

What's on for this year?

There will be two mass hot air balloon ascents, tethering displays, a two-and-a-half-hour air display with a variety of aircraft, as well as an evening pyrotechnic flight, iconic night glow and firework finale each day.

As 2025 marks 80 years of VE day and the end of World War Two, the air display will include a Supermarine Spitfire plus the world famous RAF Falcons mass parachute team and a Tutor T MK1 aerobatic trainer.

The launch of the balloons, which include Thomas the Tank Engine, Dolly the Sheep and an 100ft tall Ordnance Survey Map, is subject to weather conditions.

Longleat Estate will open from 06:30 BST each day for Icons of the Sky. Daily timings, which are subject to change due to weather conditions, are:

• 07:00 - 09:00 - Mass hot air balloon ascent

• 09:15 - 10:15 - Model hot air balloon display

• 10:30 - 14:00 - Balloon tethering & meet the teams

• 14:15 - 16:45 - Air display

• 17:00 - 19:00 - Mass hot air balloon ascent

• 19:45 - 20:00 - Pyrotechnic air display

• 20:00 - 20:20 - Balloon night glow

• 20:25 - 20:30 - Firework finale

Anything else I need to know?

The Wednesday-themed balloon, inspired by the Netflix TV show, wowed crowds while tethering at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta last month

As Icons of the Sky kicks off, there are several road closures in the area.

Each day, from 14:00 until 20:00 BST, the road from Longleat's main entrance to Horningsham will be closed to ensure safe flight operations for the performing aircraft. This includes Heaven's Gate.

Access will be available for emergency services and essential events drivers. Diversions will be in place via either Shearwater or East Woodlands, with signage in place.

Access to Center Parcs Longleat Forest and Longleat Main entrance will be available from Picket Post roundabout.