According to event organiser and senior pilot Matthew Scaife, the event, which has been running for eight years, has grown from strength to strength.

“We are looking to fly close to 500 ballooning enthusiasts over the four days of the fiesta with even more people following the event from the ground,” he said.

This year’s fiesta will once again feature some special shaped balloons with the popular “Nudiie” and “Dodo” balloons expected to take to the skies while Balloon Aloft’s new heart-shaped craft will also be on display.

“We are so excited to have these balloons taking part and know passengers and spectators alike will be too. There will be no shortage of photographic opportunities,” Mr Scaife added.

Each day of the fiesta will see more than 25 hot air balloons from around the country launch together at sunrise and float majestically over picturesque Hunter Valley wine country.

Following their flight, passengers will head back to Peterson House in Pokolbin for a delicious gourmet breakfast and champagne celebration.

Fiesta flight vouchers are selling fast so for those people interested in taking part they are encouraged to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

The Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta takes place from Friday 28 September to Sunday 1 October.

For more information on the Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta visit www.balloonaloft.com/fiesta or to book your special price flight voucher call 4990 9242.

The Advertiser is giving readers the chance to win a flight for two people on board one of the balloons flying in the fiesta on Friday, 28 September. 

The prize includes an approximate one hour flight over the vineyards and a gourmet breakfast and champagne celebration at Peterson House following the flight.

To enter, email cessnock@fairfaxmedia.com.au with the answer to the following question: How many years has the Balloon Fiesta been running? 

Entries close at midnight on Monday, 24 September. Winners will be contacted by phone.