About

Look to the skies as Icons of the Sky returns to Longleat for an unforgettable weekend of aviation, hot air balloons and spectacular evening entertainment. Taking place from 11 - 13 September 2026, this family-friendly event forms part of Longleat's 60th anniversary celebrations and is included with a standard Day Ticket, making it one of the South West's biggest outdoor events of the year.

Visitors can enjoy an incredible programme of aerial displays featuring historic and modern aircraft, breathtaking aerobatics and colourful hot air balloons soaring above the iconic Longleat Estate. Throughout the weekend, the skies over Longleat House will be filled with aviation favourites including a Spitfire, P-51 Mustang, high-energy aerobatic displays and a gyrocopter, alongside spectacular special-shape hot air balloons.

As part of Longleat's milestone celebrations, visitors can also witness the RAF Red Arrows performing on Friday 11 September, adding one of the UK's most iconic aerobatic displays to an already action-packed programme. The display joins an impressive line-up celebrating 60 years since Longleat became home to the UK's first drive-through safari outside Africa.

The event features much-loved balloon favourites including Smiley the Scarecrow, standing over 120 feet tall, alongside Longleat's own Simbaloo the Lion and Adelaide the Koala. As darkness falls, the celebrations continue with the magical Night Glow, where illuminated balloons light up the evening sky before a spectacular fireworks finale rounds off each day.

In addition to the aerial entertainment, visitors can enjoy everything Longleat has to offer, including the famous Drive-Through Safari, Walking Safari, Jungle Cruise, Longleat House, Hedge Maze, Adventure Castle and over 120 animal species. All attractions are included within the standard Day Ticket, making Icons of the Sky an unforgettable family day out in Wiltshire.

Event highlights

• Watch spectacular hot air balloons fill the skies above Longleat House.
• See the RAF Red Arrows perform on Friday 11 September.
• Enjoy aerial displays featuring a Spitfire, P-51 Mustang, aerobatic aircraft and more.
• Experience the magical Night Glow after sunset.
• Finish each evening with a spectacular fireworks display.
• Explore Longleat's safari, attractions and historic house, all included with admission.

Ticket information

Icons of the Sky is included with a Longleat Day Ticket.

Guests are encouraged to book online in advance, as this is one of Longleat's most popular annual events and tickets are expected to sell quickly. Day Tickets include access to:

• Icons of the Sky
• Drive-Through Safari
• Walking Safari
• Jungle Cruise
• Longleat House
• Hedge Maze
• Adventure Castle
• Animal attractions and seasonal entertainment.

Travel information

Longleat is located near Warminster in Wiltshire, approximately:

• 40 minutes from Bath
• 1 hour from Bristol
• 30 minutes from Salisbury

By car: Easily accessed via the A36 with free on-site parking available.

By train: Warminster is the nearest railway station, with taxis available to Longleat.

By bus: Limited local bus services operate to the estate, so travelling by car is recommended.

FAQs

When is Icons of the Sky?

Icons of the Sky takes place from 11 - 13 September 2026 at Longleat in Wiltshire.

Will the RAF Red Arrows be appearing?

Yes. The RAF Red Arrows are scheduled to perform on Friday 11 September 2026 as part of Longleat's 60th anniversary celebrations.

Is Icons of the Sky included with admission?

Yes. The event is included with a standard Longleat Day Ticket, along with access to the safari, house, gardens and attractions.

What aircraft and balloons will visitors see?

The programme includes a Spitfire, P-51 Mustang, aerobatic aircraft, gyrocopter displays and a colourful collection of hot air balloons, including special-shape balloons such as Smiley the Scarecrow, Simbaloo the Lion and Adelaide the Koala.

What happens in the evening?

Each evening features the spectacular Night Glow, where illuminated balloons create a colourful display, followed by a fireworks finale to end the day's celebrations.