THE launch of a balloon festival set to take place over the bank holiday weekend was rained off yesterday.

Balloons InDurham, which has also had a last minute change of location, failed to get underway last night because of heavy rain but is due to take place as planned today.

Events due to take place at Palace Green will now be stage at The Sands, where they will happen alongside Durham Pride.

Adam Deathe, business engagement manager at Durham BID, said: “Our thanks to the organisers of Durham Pride and the Freemen of the city for stepping in at short notice and inviting Balloons InDurham to be part of their celebrations this spring bank holiday weekend.

“With everything going on in Durham this weekend, the city is a great place to be with something for everyone to do, see and enjoy.”

Flight director Martin Cowling, who has been ballooning for 15 years, said: “On Wednesday it looked like the weather was going to be horrendous but it’s getting better and we think pretty much everything on the programme will go ahead.

“There should be something happening through both days and it should be quite a spectacle.”

This year’s event, which also takes place at Houghall College, on the outskirts of Durham, will feature giant kites as well as balloons.

The activities and timings remain unchanged and are as follows:

Saturday 26thMay:

9.00am – 12.00pm: Kite flying demonstrations

1.00pm – 3.00pm: Hot air balloon tethers

Sunday 27thMay:

2.00pm – 4.00pm: Hot air balloon tethers

8.30pm – 10.00pm: Illuminated tethers

For more information and to see the full programme of events along with the new location information, visit: www.durhambid.co.uk/balloons