COMMENT - Festival that triumphed against odds (From Cotswold Journal)

COMMENT - Festival that triumphed against odds

8:00am Thursday 14th June 2012 in News

IF ever there was a shining example of a triumph over adversity it was Evesham Balloon Festival.

The event in Crown Meadow, Evesham, last weekend had been eagerly awaited in the Vale, Cotswolds and beyond.

Unfortunately, the poor weather took its toll. A forecast of high winds and rain forced the cancellation of the festival’s keynote feature – an eye-catching series of hot air balloon ascents.

Faced with such a blow, the organisers could perhaps be forgiven for losing heart. However, there was no such surrender to the vagaries of fortune.

The show went on – and it was rewarded with a few hours of sunshine on the Saturday. There were vintage cars, kite displays, a craft fair and bands, among other attractions. It was, in fact, a terrific day for all those who attended.

Events such as this are not just a little bit of fun. They are vital to the prosperity of the area. The economies of the Vale and Cotswolds are relying increasingly on tourism, and initiatives such as the Evesham Balloon Festival are a vital part of their offering to visitors.

That is why it is important they succeed, and that is why our message to last week’s doughty festival organisers is: well done!