London’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta cancelled for sixth year running

London’s Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta has been stood down for the sixth year running.

Wind direction and speed have been blamed for the cancellation of Sunday’s event, which could have seen as many as 60 balloons in the skies across the capital.

The regatta was last held in 2019 when 46 hot air balloons launched from Battersea Park.

A spokeswoman said: “We’re all really gutted because yesterday it looked like it might happen. It’s the British weather. It’s such a pain. And everyone had put so much into it.”

Depending on the direction of the wind, the balloons could have passed over landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

Due to launch from Battersea Park again, Sunday was the last planned possible date of the year.

Attempts were previously scheduled on 11 May and 20 July.

It is hoped to go ahead in 2026.

In 2020 and 2021 the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And in 2022, 2023 and 2024 it failed to get off the ground because of poor weather.

The event supports the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and has raised more than £250,000 since 2015.