Be our guest at the Virgin Balloon Flights Tea Party in the Sky

Here at Virgin Balloon Flights we’re celebrating the Great British summer by hosting a unique tea party in the sky and are offering one lucky winner the chance to be a guest.

The special flight will take place at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2012 on August 10 at Ashton Court in Bristol - one of Virgin Balloon Flights’ 100+ UK locations for balloon rides.

Passengers will be served finger sandwiches and cream cakes on china crockery as they float over Bristol in a spectacular mass assent with scores of other balloons. Twinings tea, English sparkling wine and traditional lemonade will also be poured instead of the usual champagne.

Weather permitting, the balloon will soar up to at least 1000ft in the air and the event is thought to be one of the highest open-air tea parties ever organised.

Virgin Balloon Flights’ pilot Mark Simmons, from Atworth near Bath, will fly the 100ft tall balloon for the unusual tea party. Mr Simmons, who has been flying for 23 years and holds the world record for the highest concert in a hot air balloon, said it promised to be an unforgettable occasion.

Mark said: “There is so much positive patriotic energy around at the moment and, as our balloon rides give people a unique way of seeing beautiful Britain, we wanted to do something fun to capture that feeling. What better way than with a tea party in a hot air balloon, following in the fine Victorian traditions where an impressive venue was just as important as the china, doilies, scones and cream teas. I think we’ve got that covered!”

Twelve passengers will be on board the flight and Virgin Balloon Flights are running a prize draw offering one winner and a guest the chance to take part, including a hotel stay the night before. They will also receive a Tea Hamper, courtesy of Twinings, and a copy of the new ‘Great British Bake Off - How to turn everyday bakes into showstoppers’ book by Linda Collister, out on August 2, published by BBC Books.

To enter visit the Tea Party in the Sky competition page on Facebook and where you will find more details and full terms and conditions.

There are still limited places available on flights at Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2012 between August 9th – 12th. Call 0844 844 8080 for more information or to book. To buy a flight voucher or view our other locations visit the official Virgin Balloon Flight website.