Up, Up And Away: Fantastic Photos Of The 2019 London Balloon Regatta

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 58 months ago

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Last Updated 10 June 2019

Up, Up And Away: Fantastic Photos Of The 2019 London Balloon Regatta
The 2019 RICOH Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta®. Credit: Exclusive Ballooning.

Early risers on Sunday 9 June were treated to the sight of dozens of hot air balloons floating over the London skyline.

The Balloon Regatta is an annual event organised by Exclusive Ballooning to raise awareness for the Lord Mayor's Charity Appeal.

The 2019 RICOH Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta®. Credit: Exclusive Ballooning.

46 of the colourful orbs launched from Battersea Park at around 5am on Sunday, and headed over central London, making for excellent photo opportunities over famous landmarks, including the Thames Barrier and Royal Naval College in Greenwich.

The 2019 RICOH Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta®. Credit: Exclusive Ballooning.

A Hunter wellington boot, a lion's face and owl's head were among the novelty balloons lingering over the capital, along with vessels sponsored by the likes of Fortnum & Mason and L'Occitane.

The 2019 RICOH Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta®. Credit: Exclusive Ballooning.
The 2019 RICOH Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta®. Credit: Exclusive Ballooning.
The 2019 RICOH Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta®. Credit: Exclusive Ballooning.
The 2019 RICOH Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta®. Credit: Exclusive Ballooning.
The 2019 RICOH Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta®. Credit: Exclusive Ballooning.
The 2019 RICOH Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta®. Credit: Exclusive Ballooning.

Of course, Instagram was afloat with shots by photographers who'd set their alarms early enough, but our favourite post is this gorgeous timelapse video by @londonfromtherooftops, shot from Alexandra Palace. Take a few seconds to watch it — it's the most relaxing thing you'll see all day.