PUTRAJAYA: The Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2019 (MyBalloonFiesta) is being held from March 28 to 31 to mark the 10th anniversary of the federal administrative capital.
Organised by AKA Balloons Sdn Bhd and Putrajaya Corporation (PPj), the annual festival in Precinct 2 is expected to attract more than 200,000 spectators, including those from abroad.
Speaking at the launch, PPj president, Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim, said the event will feature 20 top hot air balloonists from Malaysia as well as countries like Spain, Slovakia, Brazil, Australia, Japan, Belgium, the United States, United Kingdom and South Korea.
“This fiesta is its own branding and a great way to showcase Putrajaya as a tourist destination,” he said.
MyBalloonFiesta chairman, Mohammad Sobri Saad, said the event will also showcase seven special-shaped balloons: the Robot Woozi (Brazil), Pink Gnome (Spain), Bruno the Clown (Slovakia), Pink Elephant (Belgium), Tako the Octopus (Japan), Happy Chan (Japan) and Black Bear (Taiwan).
There will also be a balloon igloo made from recycled hot air balloons by Spanish artist, Jordi Enrique, featuring a light-and-motion show at the weekend, from 7pm to 10pm, in the Pink Zone.
Mohammad Sobri, one of Malaysia’s first hot air balloon pilots, said the highlight of the fest will be the Night Glow Access show from March 30 to 31, where balloons will light up in time with music and culminate in a fireworks display.
There are other balloon activities, too, like tethered balloon rides under the MyBalloonClub package, breakfast al fresco with the best view around in the Picnic Zone and a balloon race for balloonists.
“The Hare and Hound competition also known as Rudy’s Trophy, and named after the founder of the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, will allow the pilots to exhibit their flying skills,” he said.
For more information and tickets, visit www.myballoonadventure.com. – Bernama
