GIANT, illuminated, hot air balloons will light up the night sky this summer when Middlesbrough plays host to a giant Party in the Park.
Over the weekend of Friday 6 to Sunday 8 June, Stewart Park will be transformed and become a family friendly festival, with a whole host of spectacular entertainment on offer.
And along with the chance to enjoy fairground rides and attractions there will be a special event after dark on Saturday 7 June when enormous, individually decorated, tethered balloons will be lit up in a dazzling display for a special hot air balloon glow night.
The fair opens on the Friday and this will run across the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday offering everything from live music and street food as well as a licensed bar, to dog shows, hair-raising displays and visits by favourite character mascots.
A motorbike FMX stunt team will perform death defying manoeuvres and, on the Saturday night, visitors can get up close to the hot air balloons and also enjoy live music on stage, courtesy of a range of top tribute acts.
There will also be daytime displays of the tethered hot air balloons on both Saturday and Sunday.
The rides comprise everything from family favourites like the waltzer and the dodgems to those designed specially for thrill seekers, such as the Stealth Bomber, Magic Mouse Spining Coaster and Top Spin
For younger visitors there are attractions such as teacups, the ghost train and flying helicopters along with an inflatable mega slide and bungee trampolines.
“There is going to be something for everyone,” said Ryan Crow of Party in the Park organiser, Crow Events, “no matter what age or how daring they are.
“And, along with the fairground rides and attractions there will be plenty of activities and lots to get involved with so we hope as many people as possible will come along for a fantastic weekend of fun.”
On Friday 6 Party in the Park will take place between 4pm and 10pm, with the event running from 11am until 11pm on Saturday and 11am until 7pm on Sunday.
Entry costs £2 on the Friday and £5 on Saturday and Sunday and visitors can pay on the door.
Rides carry an additional cost but everyone will also receive £10 worth of discount ride vouchers. Children under 80cm in height can attend free of charge.
The hot air balloon displays are weather dependent and in the event of strong winds, can not be inflated.