The Bearded Viking and TBV AxeMasters at the Dorset Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival
Our first big event of 2024 was the Dorset Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival, and we were buzzing with excitement. Not only was it our first event of the year, but it was also our first time at a hot air balloon festival. This two-day event, running from Saturday to Sunday on May 4th and 5th, had us setting off on Friday the 3rd at around 12:30 PM, right after my 15-year-old son Lenny finished school. Lenny loves coming along to festivals with me and Ginge (Ben Dean), making our adventures even more special.
Preparing for the Journey
Preparation is key for festivals, ensuring we have everything we need. There’s nothing worse than being stuck 170 miles from home without something essential. As we hit the motorway, I realized I had left the air pump for our blow-up beds in the garage. No big deal—we found an Asda on the way, where Ginge and Lenny picked up an air pump along with snacks and drinks.
We arrived at the Dorchester Showground around 4 PM, amidst the usual festival setup chaos. We quickly located Jess, one of the organizers, who guided us to our spacious pitch—a massive bonus! Lenny and Ginge have a rule: they set up the Axe Throwing range, and I keep my nose out to avoid stress. This allowed me to focus on setting up The Bearded Viking stall.
First Evening: Settling In
We completed our setup just before dark, with only a few tasks left for the morning. We fired up the BBQ and relaxed into our camp routine. Unfortunately, one of the blow-up beds had a hole, which made Lenny happy since he enjoys sleeping across the van’s back seats. Ginge and I set up our pop-up tents, but when it came to inflating our air beds, we discovered the air pump needed a 230v supply, which we didn’t have. We resigned ourselves to a night on deflated mattresses, but kept spirits high with some food, whiskey, and good company.
Day 1: A Busy Start
Ginge is an early riser, and at 6 AM sharp, he was up and about. Though I was reluctant to wake up, the coffee he brought me was a welcome start to the day. Once caffeinated, I was ready and buzzing for our first big event of the year and our first hot air balloon festival.
With the Axe Throwing range and Beard Care stand ready, we were set for the crowds. From the moment the gates opened, we were flat out. Enthusiastic participants flocked to the Axe Throwing range, and beard enthusiasts were drawn to The Bearded Viking stand. The hot weather meant frequent applications of sunscreen, especially for Ginge.
Despite the rush, we managed to grab a BBQ pulled pork bun for lunch. Whilst eating our lunch we were greeted with a skydiving display. It was non-stop activity until about 6:30 PM, when we finally had a chance to relax and enjoy the sight of hot air balloons taking off. Watching them ascend was magical, and at one point, I counted twelve balloons floating by.
Evening Relaxation
Exhausted from the day, we relit the BBQ and cooked a delicious dinner of chicken and sausages. As the sun set, we lit a fire pit and enjoyed a light display featuring hot air balloons shaped like penguins, a peacock, and a wolf, all illuminated in time to music.
Thanks to Ginge’s networking, we found a neighbour with a generator who allowed us to inflate our air mattresses. We must have looked quite the sight carrying our mattresses and enjoying a waffle from Sian’s Sweet Treats, but it was worth it for a good night’s sleep.
Day 2: A Rainy Challenge
Ginge’s early wake-up call came again at 6 AM. We enjoyed bacon and black pudding buns for breakfast, though the weather was less cooperative with light showers throughout the morning. With the stalls already set up, we took the opportunity to explore the site and find a decent coffee, though the £4 cup we found was disappointing.
The weather remained gloomy until about
5 PM, making for a quieter day, which was somewhat of a relief as Lenny dealt with trench foot from the previous day’s wet socks. Unfortunately, there were some more balloon launches on the second day including one in the shape of a rocket with Wallace and grommet at the window which was epic definitely our favourite. The festival closed at 9pm and a lot of the traders packed up and left, but we decided to stay the night to avoid driving tired in the dark.
Wrapping Up
Overall, the Dorset Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival was a fantastic experience. We met amazing people, showcased our Axe Throwing range and Beard Care products, and enjoyed the spectacular balloon displays. While busy festivals mean less time to explore, the success of the event made it worthwhile.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s festival and have more hot air balloon festivals lined up this year. Next week, we’re heading to a festival for pagans and witches, our third time there, and we’re really looking forward to it. Keep an eye out for our blog on that.
Thanks for reading!
Lewis Hickman The Bearded Viking