The biggest ever

"I hope we're ready," Canowindra Progress Association and Balloon Festival chairman Tom Beath said last week.

The Balloon Challenge officially starts on Saturday, April 20 with a Welcome to Canowindra Street Party and Barbecue Masters from 5pm in Gaskill Street.

"It's the biggest so far, we've got activities every day for the full eight days," Mr Beath said.

"There is something to do every day in Canowindra. Normally the balloons would fly in the morning and then people would be left thinking - what will we do all day.

"We've got activities happening everywhere, every day," he said.

Organised by the Canowindra Progress Association and the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge the eight days of activities culminate with a Bjorn Again concert on April 26 and Cabonne Community Balloon Glow on April 27.

After Saturday's welcome party and barbecue masters locals and visitors will be kept entertained with open garden days, pop up choirs, exhibitions and much more.

The welcome party and barbecue masters are new to the program of events with around 25 competitors already registered for the masters.

"We'd like to get 50 if we can," Mr Beath said.

Cooking will be held between 5.30pm and 7pm with judging by radio personality Neil Gill.

The winner, judged on presentation and taste, will take home a full cut up lamb.

Entry is just $20 through 123tix.com.au

"I've got a great committee, they're really good," Mr Beath said in reference to the work involved in putting together this year's event.

In the sky Mr Beath said 'We've got the same amount of balloonists coming, but a heap more activities and things for everyone to do".

The long range forecast is for fine conditions for the duration of the challenge.

With activities starting from April 20 and ending on April 28, Canowindra and surrounds are bound to experience the magic of the hot air balloons.