Icons of the Sky is a major multi-day festival taking place from September 11 to 13, 2026, at the historic Longleat Estate, combining spectacular aviation displays with hot air ballooning entertainment. Running continuously from dawn to dusk, the main aerial program features two daily mass hot air balloon launches—including giant tethered special shapes like Simbaloo the Lion and Smiley the Scarecrow—alongside dynamic daytime flight performances by historic warbirds, aerobatic planes, and helicopters.
As evening falls, the event transitions into an after-dark spectacle featuring pyrotechnic-equipped aircraft performing night aerobatics across the sky. The day culminates in Longleat’s signature musical Night Glow, where dozens of hot air balloons light up in a synchronised choreographic display, followed by a grand fireworks finale. Included with standard day admission, the event also grants visitors full access to Longleat’s famous drive-through and walking safaris, boat tours, hedge maze, and estate attractions.