GETTING up at 3.45am is not something that I would normally agree to, but it was well worth the effort as I had been given the opportunity to go on a balloon flight with Aerosaurus Balloons in the run up to the fourth Tiverton Balloon and Music Festival this weekend (Friday 12 – Sunday 14).

With great excitement I leapt out of bed when the first alarm went off. ( I had set three alarms as I was worried that I might oversleep).

After picking up my colleague, Sue, we made our way to Tiverton where Aerosaurus had arranged to take off on the free, pre-festival press fight.

There were 13 of us altogether and we were asked to help to prepare the balloon for the flight.

Everyone was very friendly and with good team work we were soon ready for the take off.

Getting into the balloon basket was a bit of a challenge and very amusing and once we were all on board our pilot, Arthur Street soon had the balloon up in the air above Tiverton, closely followed by the accompanying Petroc balloon.

As this was my first balloon flight I was not sure what to expect, but it was totally amazing!

It was so peaceful and tranquil as we gently drifted across the early morning sky, with breathtaking views across the Devon countryside.

Arthur pointed out various landmarks along the way and it was fascinating to see Tiverton and the surrounding villages from the air .

The landscape looked very flat and it was difficult to pick out any hills.

In the stillness, gently floating above the countryside I was amazed to be able to hear the bleating of the lambs in the fields far below.

When we rose to 3,000 feet I could see Crediton in the hazy distance.

During the flight we were offered a traditional glass of bubbly - what an amazing way to start the day!

The landing of the balloon was not quite as smooth as the take off and climbing out of it, in a steep field, whilst avoiding the cow pats, was interesting!

Team work came into play again when we packed away the large colourful balloon into, what in comparison, seemed a very small bag!

But, it did fit, after some of the guys rolled across the folded balloon to release the trapped air.

We then all sat on top of the balloon to squash it into the bag.

We were able to relax and enjoy the sunshine in a very scenic spot near Little Silver, while Aerosaurus staff arranged transport to pick us up and take us back to reality.

It was an awesome experience and a good way to meet people.

Balloon flights are available during the Tiverton Balloon Festival, but spaces are limited.

Tickets for the festival are available at the Crediton Courier office until Friday, July 12, until 5pm and from the booking office on 01404 823735.

Tickets can also be purchased at the main gate during the festival.

The team at the Courier have been happy to promote this fabulous local event and have developed a good relationship with the festival organisers over the last few years.

The balloon flight was an amazing experience and we are looking forward to attending the festival and hope to see some of our readers there too!

Nora Parminter