The recent AIA International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Hong Kong was billed as a fun-filled, family-friendly event that would literally lift people’s spirits. Instead, it was a massive letdown.
Held at the Central Harbourfront from September 4 to 7, the advertised highlight was to be tethered balloon rides that promised “breathtaking views” from 10 to 20 metres (33 to 66 feet) above ground.
But attendees were left, well, deflated when safety concerns prompted the cancellation of rides on opening day. Intense heat also added to organisers’ woes and, on the event’s last day, Typhoon Tapah forced the cancellation of other planned activities.
Prioritising safety is paramount, but ticket holders had every right to vent – which they did, with the Hong Kong Consumer Council receiving more than 300 complaints, with many promised refunds. The biggest criticism was that the organiser, Grand Events Asia, had failed to obtain the necessary licences before selling tickets.
It is not the first time Hong Kong has been unlucky with events involving giant inflatables.
How could we forget the duck disaster of 2023, when one of two giant inflatable ducks – the 18-metre yellow birds were part of an installation by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman – had to be deflated in Victoria Harbour after hot weather strained the plastic, increasing air pressure.
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