AN extravagant experience will be on offer at a North- East food festival, thanks to an appearance by a famous hot air balloon.

Guests at the ninth annual Oyster Festival, at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield , County Durham, will not only be able to enjoy mouth-watering seafood, but will get the chance to take to the skies in the Champagne Taittinger balloon.

The balloon, which had its maiden flight in 2007, has appeared in the Chateau d’Oex winter balloon festival, in Switzerland.

John Adamson, managing director of Hardwick owner Ramside Estates, said he hoped the balloon would make the event more memorable.

“We’re thrilled that sponsors Taittinger have agreed to bring the Champagne Taittinger hot air balloon for the first time,” he said. “Proceeds from donations for the flights will benefit our festival charity, the Foundation of Light.”

This year, the festival’s headline act is Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan, who will be supported by Teesside ’s Mike McGrother’s Rogues, former Lindisfarne vocalist Marty Craggs and the Happy Cats, and Ska tribute band Badness.

The event is next Friday, from 11am to 6pm. Packages are available at £140 (plus vat) per person. Call 01740-620253.