Hot air balloon festival to 'highlight popularity of Basildon' this summer
Spanning the last weekend of July, the Essex Balloons and Tunes festival will take place at Basildon Sporting Village and feature live music, tribute acts, and stunt shows alongside breath taking hot air balloon demonstrations.
The choice of Basildon as the location for the county-wide event has been welcomed by Labour's council leader, Gavin Callaghan, as a sign of the town's growing status as a leisure destination.
We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at https://bit.ly/4eGOxig to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone.
Festival - Basildon Sporting Village will host the balloon festival (Image: George Pizani)
'We're delighted to be able welcome such an exciting nationwide event to the borough, which will give residents the opportunity to enjoy some fantastic, family-friendly fun while creating lifelong memories, right here on their doorstep,' said Mr Callaghan.
'This three-day extravaganza has something for everyone, and it highlights the growing popularity of Basildon as one of the top events destinations across Essex.'
While the focus of the Balloons and Tunes festival will be the impressive hot air balloons set to hover above Gloucester Park, attendees will also be able to enjoy tribute performances to popular artists, high-energy motocross stunt shows, character meet-and-greets and firework displays.
Win - Mr Callaghan says the festival is a sign of Basildon's growing popularity (Image: Basildon Council) In addition to tribute performances, musical entertainment will be provided by The Only Way is Essex's James Argent.
The event will be delivered by Balloons and Tunes UK, who run similar festivals across the country, and run from Friday July 25 to Sunday July 27.
A description from Balloons and Tunes UK reads: 'Our festivals offer a vibrant mix of attractions, including spectacular hot air balloon shows, stunning performances, exciting Funfair Rides, and a diverse line-up of live music.'
Under the leadership of Mr Callaghan, Basildon Council has been working to boost the town's leisure and hospitality offerings.
Plans are currently being drawn up for a 5,000-seat live entertainment arena and hotel in the town centre, which Mr Callaghan hopes will be the go-to destination for touring artists and shows in Essex.
You can find out more about Essex Balloons and Tunes as well as purchasing your tickets at balloonsandtunesuk.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Desperate Royals Tried to Censor Leaked King's Funeral Plans
Buckingham Palace's top aides are in a tailspin after leaked plans for the death of King Charles made it into the media—sparking a huge censorship operation to 'contain the spill.' The leak to The Daily Telegraph revealed details including how Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, would be central to the current British monarch's funeral—something officials are actively planning as he battles cancer. It comes despite the public fracturing of the king's relationship with his younger son, who has also been at loggerheads with brother William. Prince William will have become king by the time of Charles' funeral. Plans for the funeral, code-named 'London Bridge,' are the most sensitive of royal secrets, meticulously planned by courtiers and ultimately overseen by the king himself. When the Telegraph published the revelations on its front page with the headline 'Prince Harry and Meghan at heart of King's funeral plans,' it was the first substantive insight British papers had given their readers into an event of world significance. But as soon as it was published, courtiers began an extraordinary operation to stop word of any future reconciliation spreading, even though the Daily Beast can disclose that the leak originated from within Buckingham Palace's planning operation. Insiders say the remarkable episode offers an insight into the kind of 'iron fist in a velvet glove' activities that take place behind the curtain of the British royal family as it seeks to control the narrative around the institution. Multiple sources have told the Daily Beast that the king's most senior spin doctor, Tobyn Andreae, 'had a meltdown on the phone' to editors at The Telegraph, a reliably pro-monarchy publication, about its London Bridge story. 'These new details about London Bridge, including that Harry and Meghan will be invited for central roles and that the mourning period will be shortened, had found their way to the Telegraph exclusively,' said a well-placed Fleet Street source. 'There was a conversation with the palace's communications team ahead of publication. Tobyn [Andreae] was very, very, unhappy. He was involved directly and lobbied the Telegraph for more than 24 hours to try and influence the timing and terms of publication.' But, explained a second source, a senior journalist with knowledge of the situation, its editors did not 'wish to be controlled.' That 'went down badly' with Andreae, who was 'very resistant to the publication.' The source said, 'There was a heated phone call. In the end, the view was taken that the paper needed to protect its editorial independence, and it decided to publish its scoop when it wanted to, which from Tobyn's [Andreae's] point of view was premature.' It was then, however, that a censorship operation swung into action, according to a source who said Andraea tried to 'contain the spill.' Andreae used a WhatsApp text message group with other journalists who cover the royal family for British newspapers and television networks—a group known as the 'royal rota'—to trash the Telegraph story and say there would be consequences for any outlet that used the information. In one message seen by the Daily Beast, marked 'not for reporting in any form,' Andreae, a former senior editor at the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, criticized the article as 'unconscionable' and 'downright offensive,' given King Charles is currently battling cancer, and warned that outlets which repeated its detail were 'unlikely to receive assistance' in future. In what Andreae described as a 'gentle advisory' message to the group, which has around 15 members, and the 'international rota' group, which has around 30, he wrote: 'While we won't be drawn on the details or accuracy of the claims, the bridges plans are not yet finalised and there is no active planning underway outside of the entirely routine business you will all be familiar takes place for all family members. 'Speculation about demise planning is deeply distasteful in normal circumstances—but downright offensive given that HMK [His Majesty the King] is living with cancer, continuing with treatment… and doing extremely well on it, as you will all have seen from past weeks and months. 'This sort of article is therefore unconscionable, no matter how 'sensitively framed'. It is also a breach of the clear understanding that in order to for us to be able to assist media with operational planning, royal reporters do not write speculative pieces about Bridges planning, whatever the source.' Andreae's threat of removed 'assistance', sent to the influential group of royal rota correspondents, had the intended effect. No other British outlet repeated the details printed in the Telegraph, despite its reputation as an establishment newspaper with reliable royal sources. Some of the details were repeated in the U.S. media. Alongside claims about the Sussexes, the paper revealed that King Charles' 'lifelong dedication to the environment is expected to be recognised with the incorporation of sustainable elements wherever possible,' and that the period of national mourning would last from the day of his death to the day of his funeral, rather than an additional week as was the case when Queen Elizabeth II died in Sept. 2022. The censorship bid was mounted before another bombshell hit the royals: a further leak, this time of a supposed 'peace summit' between the king's courtiers and Prince Harry's aides. Late Saturday, details of a meeting Andreae had at an exclusive London club, of which he is a member, with Meredith Maines, who runs general and media operations for the Sussexes in the U.S., and Liam Maguire, who runs their communications operation in the U.K., appeared in an exclusive report in the Mail on Sunday. Images of the summit were captured in long-lens photographs taken by a well-informed photographer from the paper, whose publisher Harry is presently suing for allegedly hacking his phone and other unlawful information gathering dating back 30 years. The paper denies the allegations. Buckingham Palace and The Daily Telegraph failed to respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for the Sussexes said they never comment on London Bridge planning.
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Time Business News
Unlock Unforgettable Celebrations: The Digital Invitation Revolution
The Evolution of Birthday Invitations: From Paper to Pixels Gone are the days of scouring stationery stores for the perfect card. The digital age has transformed how we announce life's special moments, blending convenience with creativity. A birthday invitation video isn't just a trend; it's a dynamic storytelling tool. Imagine capturing your child's laughter, previewing the party theme, or even embedding a countdown timer – videos create anticipation in ways static text cannot. They're easily shareable via WhatsApp, email, or social media, ensuring no guest misses out. For milestone events like a 1st birthday invitation card, this format immortalizes fleeting babyhood moments, turning the invite itself into a cherished keepsake. Simultaneously, the birthday invitation card online has become a staple. These digital designs offer unparalleled flexibility: instant edits, eco-friendly distribution, and real-time RSVP tracking. Platforms provide thousands of customizable templates – from whimsical unicorns for kids to elegant gold foil for adults. Unlike physical mail, online cards eliminate postal delays and costs. Guests appreciate the convenience of one-click responses, while hosts gain immediate visibility into attendance numbers. For last-minute planners or geographically scattered invitees, this digital solution is indispensable. The fusion of video and online card options caters to diverse preferences, ensuring every celebration starts with impact. Hybrid approaches are also emerging. Some hosts send a playful birthday invitation video teaser via social media, followed by a detailed online birthday invitation card with logistics. Others embed short video clips within digital cards. This synergy maximizes engagement, especially for children's parties where animated characters or personalized messages heighten excitement. The key advantage? Digital formats adapt effortlessly to theme changes or date adjustments, sparing you the agony of reprinting 50 cards because little Emma switched from dinosaurs to mermaids. Celebrating Milestones: Crafting the Perfect 1st Birthday, Baby Shower, and Naming Ceremony Invites Welcoming a new life demands invites that mirror the occasion's significance. A 1st birthday invitation card sets the tone for this pivotal milestone. Think beyond basic details; incorporate baby's monthly photos in a collage, use milestone-themed motifs (like 'One in a Melon' watermelons or 'Wild One' animals), or add a heartfelt note about their first year. Digital templates allow embedding growth charts or short clips of first steps, making the invite a mini-scrapbook. For twins or multiples, synchronized designs with individual photos create cohesion while celebrating uniqueness. Baby shower invitation card designs now prioritize inclusivity and personalization. Virtual showers surged post-pandemic, making digital invites essential. Features like integrated gift registries, Zoom links, and game instructions can be seamlessly added. Themes range from classic 'Mom-to-Bee' bumblebees to modern gender-neutral celestial designs. The best cards hint at the shower's activities – a onesie-decorating station? Include paint-splatter graphics. A book-themed party? Feature library card-inspired details. This foresight helps guests prepare and participate meaningfully. A naming ceremony invitation card carries cultural and emotional weight, whether it's a Hindu Namkaran, Muslim Aqiqah, or secular celebration. Traditional motifs (lotus flowers, hamsas, or tree-of-life designs) honor heritage, while bilingual text ensures clarity for diverse guests. Digital platforms excel here, offering region-specific artwork and font options. Include a brief explanation of rituals for attendees unfamiliar with the tradition, fostering connection. For intimate gatherings, video invites with parents explaining the chosen name's meaning add profound intimacy, transforming a simple alert into an emotional prelude. The Ultimate Toolbox: Online Invitation Makers and Video Creators Democratizing design, online birthday invitation card maker platforms empower anyone to create professional invites without graphic skills. Tools like online birthday invitation card maker offer drag-and-drop editors, extensive template libraries categorized by event (kids' parties, elegant soirées), and photo-upload capabilities. Key features include animated effects (falling confetti, flickering candles), music integration, and guest-list management dashboards. Pricing models often include free basic options and premium upgrades for video exports or premium artwork. The true game-changer? Real-time collaboration – partners or party planners can co-edit simultaneously, streamlining decision-making. For video invites, user-friendly apps provide storyboard templates, stock footage, and voice-over recording. Sync transitions to music beats, add captions for clarity, or use green-screen effects to place the birthday child in a superhero cityscape. Some platforms use AI to suggest themes based on uploaded photos. Crucially, they optimize file sizes for smooth email delivery and mobile viewing. Video analytics are invaluable; track open rates to identify who hasn't viewed the invite and send gentle reminders. This prevents awkward 'Did you get my invite?' conversations. Case in point: Sarah, a busy mom, used an online birthday invitation card maker for her son's dinosaur-themed 3rd birthday. She uploaded a roaring T-Rex photo, added animated meteor showers, and embedded a Google Maps link to the venue. RSVPs populated automatically in her dashboard, and she sent automated reminders two weeks prior. The result? A 40% faster response rate than her previous paper invites and zero 'lost in mail' excuses. Similarly, Priya designed a naming ceremony invitation card blending Kolam patterns with digital watercolor florals, sharing it instantly with family across three continents. These tools transform logistical tasks into joyful creative processes. When selecting a platform, prioritize security features like password-protected invites for private events. Also, verify cross-device compatibility – grandma's tablet should display the baby shower invitation card as beautifully as a smartphone. With cloud storage, designs remain accessible for future events, building a library of your family's milestone memories. The fusion of artistry and efficiency makes these digital solutions indispensable for modern hosts. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Business Insider
Unleashing possibilities: How Meta AI empowers everyday life
Make am with Meta AI Logo In Nigeria, the phrase 'I dey make am' is more than slang. It is a way of life fuelled by late nights, daily hustles, bold ideas and the determination to push through even when the odds don't seem to add up. It's this same mindset that powers 'Make Am with Meta AI ', a new campaign by Meta showcasing how everyday Nigerians are using Meta AI to get instant answers to your questions, generate creative content, such as art and text, receive guidance and support for learning new skills and explore new ideas and possibilities. Meta is spotlighting how Meta AI, one of the world's most accessible AI assistants, available for free on WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger, is becoming a game-changer for creators, entrepreneurs and everyday people across Nigeria. Whether it's helping a student with research, a small business owner with brainstorming marketing copy or a lifestyle creator with planning content, Meta AI is becoming a silent yet powerful partner that's being used every day to turn ideas into reality, learn new skills and knowledge, create innovative solutions to everyday problems and connect with others and share experiences. With features like Search and Imagine, Meta AI is already redefining how people interact with technology in their daily lives. Search gives fast, rich answers powered by Meta's unique dataset, including trending local data, making it ideal for students, professionals and entrepreneurs. Invoke is also a group chat function on WhatsApp that lets you ask Meta AI questions within your group chats, whether it's playing trivia, settling a debate or planning a weekend hangout. Imagine turns ideas into visuals, whether for business pitches, birthday cards or viral Instagram stories. More than a campaign, 'Make Am with Meta AI' is a call to action to get started with Meta AI on Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram and start exploring its features and capabilities. With its user-friendly interface and powerful tools, you'll be creating, learning and innovating in no time. As more people explore what's possible with Meta AI, a new wave of creators, thinkers and dreamers are already shaping what comes next. For Tomike Adeoye, lifestyle content creator, Meta AI became her behind-the-scenes partner. 'After over 13 years of creating on my own, it's refreshing to now have Meta AI; my tireless creative partner that's always ready to support and elevate my vision, anytime inspiration strikes." she shared. Ify's Kitchen, known for her delicious and easy-to-follow recipe videos, has found a content partner in Meta AI. 'At Ify's Kitchen, we've always believed in making cooking simple, fun, and accessible. Using Meta AI takes that vision even further, helping us rediscover the joy of wholesome cooking and staying connected to our rich food culture in exciting new ways," she said. Nancy Umeh, who shares lifestyle and family content with a loyal audience, said, 'Sometimes, I'm not 100% sure of a fact I want to speak about before recording my video, so I ask Meta AI. The other day I shared a baby weaning recipe that included onions. I wasn't sure it was safe for babies at 6 months so I asked Meta AI, and it assured me it was, citing several academic sources.' Meta AI is not some distant, futuristic tech. It's right there — inside the Meta apps you use every day like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Messenger. Just tap the blue circle or type @Meta AI in a group chat and you're instantly connected to the world's most accessible Al assistant that can help you learn, get things done, create content and connect to make the most of every moment. Meta AI is the world's most accessible AI assistant, available in apps you use daily and on —helping you learn, get things done, create content and connect to make the most of every moment. 'For many Nigerians, access to education and resources is a significant challenge. But with Meta AI, those barriers are being broken down. Students can get help with homework, entrepreneurs can learn new skills, and artists can find inspiration. Meta AI is the bridge that connects Nigerians to new possibilities, providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed.' said Balkissa Ide Siddo, Public Policy Director, Sub-Saharan Africa at Meta. Many Nigerians face challenging situations such as creative blocks, limited resources and a lack of access to mentors. With Meta AI's ability to teach, create and explore, it is a powerful tool that continues to empower everyday Nigerians. The impact of Meta AI extends beyond individual users. It has the potential to empower communities, drive innovation and stimulate collective progress. Nigeria is a creative capital and cultural powerhouse. At its core, Make Am with Meta AI is about possibility — a reminder that you don't need perfect conditions to begin. All it takes is curiosity, a bit of hustle and a tool that's ready when you are. Meta AI isn't here to replace Nigerian creativity. It's here to reflect it, respect it and help it rise. From scriptwriting and caption ideas to image generation, and smart search, creators are embracing Meta AI as a true collaborator. Whether you're learning something new, building your first pitch, refining your art, or just seeking fresh inspiration, Meta AI is the bridge between where you are and where you're headed. So go ahead, dream big and Make Am with Meta AI.
