BIRKENHEAD'S 12 Quays site hosts a big balloon festival this weekend as part of the Mersey River Festival. It lifts off on Saturday, June 13, at 6.30pm, when a hot air balloon - weather permitting - goes up as part of Balloons Across the Mersey based at 12 Quays.

Entrance to the main arena is free with balloon launches scheduled for 6.30pm on Friday, June 12; 6.30am on Sunday, then at 6.30pm.

Balloons Across the Mersey is part of the Mersey River Festival with a Night Glow spectacular at Woodside between 9pm and midnight on Saturday, June 13. Balloons will be tethered and inflated with music and lasers, plus a firework finale.

The 18th annual Mersey River Festival is launched on June 12 with 45 land and river based events.

The main focus for activity is the Albert Dock with a free information phone line on 0800-838-909.

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