General Event Information Events in Doncaster operate to pre-developed plans which have been discussed with the Events Safety Advisory Group and Emergency Services. This process allows for detailed discussions and agreed delivery plans and schedules to be developed. All aspects of the plans are reviewed, and events are only granted permission to take place once all parties are satisfied with all the plans and measures in place for safe delivery.
What are the event opening days and hours?
The event will be open on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July from 12:00 noon to 22:00.
What attractions will be available at the Balloon Festival?
Please note - ALL activities are weather dependent and strict safety regulations control Balloon Flights and tethering of balloons.
The festival programme is expected to include:
15–20 hot air balloons, including a number of special-shaped balloons.
Night glow displays on both days.
A low-impact fireworks finale on Saturday evening.
Funfairs, bars, and catering units.
Arena Entertainment includes:
Pony shows
Civil War re-enactments
Stunt display teams
Dinosaur attractions
Foam parties
Balloon Flight times are subject to weather but are planned for:
Friday 24th July 5am – 7am and 18:30 – 20:00
Saturday 25th July 5am – 7am and 18:30 – 20:00
Sunday 26th July 5am – 7am only
Can I buy a ticket on the gate?
Yes, tickets are available online prior to the event or on the day. Please note the prices increase for walkups.
Ticket information can be found here: Doncaster Balloon Festival – Doncaster Balloon Festival
Site Build, Operations and De-rig
When will site build begin?
Site build begins at 8am on Monday 20 July, with fencing installed first and fairground operators arriving.
All footpaths within and around the park will remain open for the duration of the build and event.
When will the site be cleared?
Site clearance will be done on Sunday 26th July 2026
MUGA and Community Facilities
Will the MUGA remain open during build-up?
The MUGA will remain open where it is safe to do so. The Event Safety Manager retains the authority to close access if safety concerns arise.
When will the MUGA be closed?
To prevent unauthorised access to construction areas, the MUGA will be closed overnight between approximately 10.00pm and 8.00am during the build period.
The MUGA will also be closed on event days due to it being located in the balloon arena safety zone.
Parking and Traffic on Event Days
What parking will be available for visitors?
The event will provide:
Free of charge parking is available on Car Park A at Doncaster Racecourse
On-site event parking is priced at £5 per vehicle.
Onsite disabled parking provision is also available.
Is there enough parking capacity for the event?
Current parking capacity is considered sufficient based on ticket sales and previous attendance levels. Organisers will continue to monitor sales and have contingency plans available if additional parking is required.
What happens if the main car parks become full?
Organisers have developed overflow parking contingency plans and will activate additional arrangements if required. Signage and traffic management measures will direct visitors accordingly. Visitors are being advised NOT to park in resident areas.
Will there be parking restrictions on Town Moor Avenue?
Yes. Town Moor Avenue will be coned on both sides of the road from Thorne Road to Leger Way to prevent parking, loading and waiting during operational periods of the event. Residents on Town Moor Avenue can access their driveways, but if additional parking is required, Car Park A is available.
Will I get a parking ticket for parking on Town Moor Avenue?
During the hours of the restrictions on Town Moor Avenue, any vehicle contravening the regulations in place may be issued with a parking ticket. CDC Enforcement will be active during the event.
Will residents receive parking permits?
No. A resident permit scheme has not been introduced.
Where can residents park during the event?
Residents requiring additional parking during operational periods can use Car Park A free of charge.
Will visitors be directed to official parking areas?
Yes. Directional signage will be installed to help visitors access official parking locations and any overflow areas if these become necessary.
Visitors are being advised NOT to park in resident areas.
What is the advice for visitors travelling by car?
Visitors are encouraged to use official event parking facilities, follow event signage on arrival, and allow extra time during peak arrival and departure periods.
Are sustainable travel options being promoted?
Yes. Organisers and Visit Doncaster are promoting public transport and walking options as alternatives to travelling by car.
Event Queries
How can concerns be raised during the event?
Concerns should be raised via the City of Doncaster Council's switchboard on 01302 736000. Calls will be logged through council systems to ensure appropriate investigation, response, and escalation.
How will complaints be managed?
The council will manage reported issues through its established processes, while event organisers will continue to monitor email and social media channels.
Will Council Officers be in attendance?
Yes, there will be a dedicated Single Point of Contact located at the Control Station during the opening hours of the event only. This officer is on site to support the delivery of the event in line with agreed and approved plans and to assist should circumstances require any deviation from those plans to ensure the safe delivery of a live event.
Will free tickets be available?
No, free tickets will not be issued this year.
Safety and Security
What safety and security measures will be in place?
Security personnel will be present during build-up and throughout the event. Access points will be managed, and pedestrian routes separated from vehicle movements where necessary.
How will construction areas be secured?
Fencing, barrier tape, controlled access points, and security monitoring will be used to protect the public and contractors during site build activities.
Environmental Matters
Will fireworks be used?
Yes. A low-impact fireworks display is planned for Saturday evening only.
How will noise be monitored?
The event organiser will monitor noise levels throughout the event, at different locations within the event area.
How will the trees be protected?
City of Doncaster Council will mark the ground to allocate where event related activity can take place and ensure the tree roots are protected.
How will the grass be protected?
City of Doncaster Council and event organisers will agree ahead of the event build up what measures are required to protect the grass. This is weather dependent. Matting will be in place for vehicle access as required.
Please remember all details of the delivery of this event, and all events on Doncaster Council Land, are subject to extensive planning and approval processes prior to being given permission to proceed.
