The spectacular event highlighted a hugely successful week for the challenge’s organising committee, who were extremely pleased with the fine weather throughout the entirety.

Twelve balloons, six either side, flanked the headline attraction, the Hummingbird balloon, for the mesmerising glow which was choreographed to music.

Event organiser Jan Kerr described the evening as magical. “It was an absolutely magic night. It went really smoothly. It was just a great night for everyone who was there. [Attendance] is up on last year. The online ticketing worked really well, we’re really pleased with the result,” she said.

Remarkably, nine out of ten competition flights were completed from Tuesday to Monday – Monday morning’s key grab task marking the end of competition.

Kerr said the pilots couldn’t have imagined having such a convenient run of weather.

“The weather was magical. Nine out of ten flights were completed which is amazing. I don’t think any of the pilots have completed 30 tasks during a competition before. They were really excited,” she said.

French pilot Seigot Clement stole the spotlight, developing a huge lead at the top of the competition ladder, finishing with 24,480 points more than 4000 clear on Andrew Robertson in second.

“He cleaned up,” Jan said.

None of the pilots were successful in Monday morning’s key grab, but Clement came closest and picked up the runner’s up prize – a stainless steel gas tank.

Canowindra pilot Steve Campbell’s fifth-placed finish was the best of the home-town hopes with Adam Barrow and Anton Kerr finishing 12th and 13th respectively.

An awards dinner was held at the Canowindra Bowling Club on Monday night, capping off a hugely successful week for the Canowindra ballooning community.

Jan confirmed that dates are booked for the event for the next three years.