UP UP AND AWAY

The event has attracted thousands of people every year since its launch in 2002 but was axed earlier this year because of a lack of money.

But now the businessman who has run the fairground at the event has stepped in to help get the festival back off the ground.

Phil Reuben, who owns and manages K&P Leisure, has stumped up more than £30,000 of his own money to fund it.

The Bolton-based businessman said today: "I've been involved with the festival since it first started and have always thought it was a fantastic event which I have really enjoyed taking part in.

"When I heard it wasn't going to be able to go ahead this year I thought that was such a shame and I wanted to try and keep the festival going. We are going to try and build it up and make it even bigger and better with some extra attractions.

"This is not about trying to make money, but is all about trying to keep a fantastic event from being lost for Burnley."

As well as the balloons, Phil is hoping to put on a skydiving display, motorbike stunts, and various events on the stage.

Coun Colette Bailey, the council's executive member for leisure, said: "It is wonderful news that the Balloon Festival has been reinstated in this summer's event calendar."

In previous years Initiative Burnley has funded and organised the balloon festival which runs over two days and includes balloon displays and a fairground.

The group has funded the festival since its launch in 2002 with an agreement that another sponsor would take over after three years.

However, the search for a successor has been unsuccessful.

The festival, which has grown to become the largest event of its kind in the North West, costs around £50,000 to put on with about £32,000 recouped through sponsorship, parking charges and traders' fees.

Initiative Burnley, a non-profit partnership of private and public sector groups and volunteers set up to bring in regeneration funding for Burnley, has met the shortfall each year.

Paul Howard, from Initiative Burnley, said: "Although Initiative Burnley will not be involved in the balloon festival this year we will be assisting K&P Leisure to ensure the event is just as good, if not better than the previous festivals."

Burnley Council will help organise and police the event which will be held at Towneley Park from July 29-31.

Wiltshire balloon company SkyPower to organise the hot air balloons.

Phil is appealing for youth groups and a DJ to take part in the event as well as advertisers and local companies to help with the event. To help call Initiative Burnley on 01282 414800.

"I've been involved with the festival since it started and always thought it was a fantastic event.

"When I heard it wasn't going to be able to go ahead this year, I thought that was such a shame and I wanted to try and keep the festival going. We are going to try and build it up and make it even bigger and better with some extra attractions.

"This is not about trying to make money but is all about trying to keep a fantastic event from being lost."

As well as the balloons, Phil is hoping to put on a skydiving display, motorbike stunts, and other events on the stage.

Coun Colette Bailey, the council's executive member for leisure, said: "It is wonderful news the festival has been reinstated in this summer's calendar."

In previous years, Initiative Burnley has funded and organised the balloon festival which runs over two days and includes balloon displays and a fairground.

The group has funded the festival since its launch in 2002 with an agreement that another sponsor would take over after three years.

However, that search has been unsuccessful.

The festival, which has grown to become the largest event of its kind in the North West, costs around £50,000 to put on with about £32,000 recouped through sponsorship, parking charges and traders' fees.

Initiative Burnley, a non-profit partnership of private and public sector groups and volunteers, set up to bring in regeneration funding for Burnley, has met the shortfall each year.

Paul Howard, from Initiative Burnley, said: "Although Initiative Burnley will not be involved in the balloon festival this year, we will be assisting K&P Leisure to ensure the event is just as good, if not better than the previous festivals."

Burnley Council will help organise and police the event which will be held at Towneley Park from July 29 to 31.

Wiltshire balloon company SkyPower is to organise the hot air balloons.

Phil is appealing for youth groups and a DJ to take part in the event as well as advertisers and local companies to help with the event. To help call Initiative Burnley on 01282 414800.