Wairarapa Balloon Festival 2023 - Night Glow

NZs most anticipated Balloon Festival is returning to Wairarapa in Easter 2023, from Thursday 6th until Monday 10th April.

This magical five day festival promises to be fun for the whole family, with glorious balloons filling the wonderful Wairarapa skies. Balloons will take off from a different local town each morning. Look up and be in awe of their beauty.

The 2023 Night Glow takes place on Saturday 8 April 2023, and is set to be bigger and brighter than ever before. This extravaganza has been reinvented, with 5 hours of action-packed entertainment for the whole family – and for children young and old – to enjoy.
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It kicks off with model airplane flying, drone racing, live music and entertainment, not to mention a delicious range of food and beverages from Wairarapa’s largest gathering of Street Food Vendors.

Choose from over 40 food trucks, or pack a picnic, find a spot on the grass, and enjoy the afternoon and evening of entertainment.

Once darkness falls, the balloons will be inflated, and will be held on the ground, glowing like huge light bulbs or Chinese lanterns. This will be set to live music, providing a spectacular glow, and an impressive finale to the evening festivities.

Gates Open 3pm. Entertainment starts at 4pm sharp. Parking opens at 2pm.
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The Night Glow provides five hours of action-packed entertainment, including:
- drone racing
- model aeroplane displays
- live music and entertainment from The Shenanigans
- bouncy castle for the kids
- an Easter egg hunt
- selection of art and craft stalls from Wairarapa artisans
- the magical Night Glow balloons performance - lit up to music
- delicious food and beverage options from Wairarapa's largest range of street food vendors
an unforgettable experienced.

Tickets, including family packages and campsites are on sale now. Campsites are limited to 500, so make sure you book your tickets and campsite early to avoid disappointment.

Night Glow and Hamper package for two:
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After a unique gift for your beloved. Buy a Night Glow and Hamper package for two. This includes 2 Adult tickets to the Night Glow, and a delicious 3 course picnic hamper for two. See below for menu. Take your love to new heights! 
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The Screening Room picnic hampers:
After something a little more special? The Screening Room have put together some exclusive Wairarapa Balloon Festival Hampers. These delicious hampers can be ordered when you purchase your ticket. 
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The gorgeous hampers include:
- Hummus, hazelnut dukkah, baguette and olive oil
- Marinated and BBQ’d chicken maryland, kaffir lime and ginger drizzle
- Fresh cabbage and chorizo slaw, currants, spiced almonds, and fresh herbs
- Mediterranean roast vegetable, quinoa and brown rice salad, lemon, fresh herbs, olive oil and feta
- Dark chocolate cake with salted caramel mousse 
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Each hamper will be sold per person at $35.00 each and can be purchased through this Eventfinda listing. Includes bamboo cutlery and napkin. 

Camping:
There will be a dedicated area for campervans, motorhomes and self-contained caravans right in the centre of the action, at Clareville Showgrounds, Carterton. These non-powered sites are exclusively available for Night Glow ticket holders, for just $15 per night (or $10 per night for NZMCA members). Camping is for self-contained vehicles only. The camp ground will only be accessible 10am-12pm and 4-6pm daily Tuesday-Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturday. Sunday and Monday is open access. These can be purchased when buying your Night Glow ticket, or at a later date by going to My Eventfinda online, select My Tickets and then see events. You will then see a ‘Buy Merchandise’ button which will take you to the camping add ons.

Camping check in: Tuesday 4 Apr - Friday 7 Apr - gates open 10am - 12pm and 4-6pm only. On Saturday 8 April: Access from 9am to 2pm (closed after this to allow night glow traffic to arrive.

For more information head to www.nzballoons.co.nz