There's just two weeks until the skies above Northam and the Avon Valley in Western Australia will be adorned with 30 beautiful hot air balloons for the National Ballooning Championships.

From 2 to 9 September, international, interstate and local hot air balloon pilots will descend on the Avon Valley, testing their skills at varying winds and altitudes. 

To see so many colourful balloons in the sky at the one time is a visual treat for spectators.

Public festivities commence on Saturday 2 September with the Northam Balloon Fiesta from 4pm and visually stunning Balloon Glow after dark at the Henry Street Oval, weather permitting. The free Fiesta will include a live stage show, balloon discovery zone, carnival rides, game zone, markets, food and drinks and show bags. The competition balloons will fire up in all their glory with musical accompaniment at approximately 7.30pm with a fireworks finale.

Each day enthusiasts can see the balloons flying across the rolling hills and valleys at dawn and again in the afternoon if weather conditions are suitable. Spectating opportunities are available at various locations around Northam. Balloons will launch at around sunrise each morning and fly until approximately 9am.

 Another highlight is the Key Grab competition on Saturday 9 September. This is a flying task for the balloons at the Northam Aero Club at first light. A 10m pole has a key on top that pilots have to get close enough to reach to grab the it off the top.

The Championships course and best viewing spots will differ each day based on wind conditions. Spectators should check the event's Facebook page (Northam Nationals) to see where flights will be each day, or start at the Northam Aero Club at Withers Street Northam to be directed from there to where balloons will take off from that day.

Visit our website to check out the balloons and pilots competing to pick a favourite. Will it be the ladybug balloon flown by pilot Claire O'Brien, the soccer ball flown by Ed Saunders, Russia's Andrei Kulkov's Hola colourful pixelated balloon or Defending Champion Matt Scaife's balloon Felix?

For more information visit http://www.northamnationals.com, email info@northamnationals.com or receive updates on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/northamnationals and Instagram @northamnationalballooning

For accommodation information call the Northam Visitor Centre on 08 9622 2100 or email tourist@northam.wa.gov.au.

Northam Aero Club last hosted the Championships in 2015. The 2017 National Ballooning Championships is proudly supported by the State Government through Tourism WA's Regional Events Program, The Shire of Northam, and other local sponsors.