It was up, up and away in beautiful balloons over the Cotswold countryside for 4 days of thrilling competition ballooning at Sudeley's first ever Ballooning Grand Prix

50 pilots took to the skies for 7 sessions in the early mornings and evenings as they competed by aiming markers at targets or chasing a 'Hare' balloon for a round of 'Hare and Hounds'.

Balloonists came from all over the world to take part in the event, including twice US Champion Nick Donner, who at just 22 is currently ranked third in the world; current UK Champion Mike Howard, who came over from his home in Dubai to attend the event; twice World Champion, three times European Champion and eight times British Champion Dr. David Bareford; previous World Champion and 8 times British Champion Crispin Williams and Dr Janet Folkes, holder of 46 ballooning world records who was attending her first major competition. As you can imagine, the skill and accuracy of these phenomenal pilots was truly amazing!

Lucky competition winners Siobhan Obrien and Jane Howis received family tickets to the event from www.soglos.com