She's back.
Her return may have been delayed by a few days, but after a seven year absence from Canberra's skies, people were willing to wait just that little bit longer.
Crowds gathered near Old Parliament House this Canberra Day morning to mark Skywhale's return to the capital, after gracing the air in 2013 for Canberra's centenary celebrations.
Skywhale is being blown up. The majestic breasted whale will fly today in Canberra pic.twitter.com/2CgxBP4FLE
— Andrew Brown (@AndrewBrownAU) March 8, 2020
The burners are all systems go for Skywhale pic.twitter.com/f4Ng5QSzgQ
— Andrew Brown (@AndrewBrownAU) March 8, 2020
Truly the breast of times in Canberra. Skywhale creating new mammaries in the capital pic.twitter.com/XNKI9mfJyU
— Andrew Brown (@AndrewBrownAU) March 8, 2020
While the Canberra Balloon Spectacular had been well under way since Saturday, Canberrans keen to see the majestic multi-breasted whale balloon have had to wait until the public holiday to see it.
An early tethered appearance was slated for Friday night, but that was postponed due to rain and thunderstorm.
It was postponed and will feature on Monday night as part of the Enlighten Festival.
Canberrans love Skywhale pic.twitter.com/hGGzYe69QO
— Katina Curtis (@katinacurtis) March 8, 2020
The pilot tells me Skywhale will be inflated today fully but will only be tethered pic.twitter.com/0myWGwENJy
— Andrew Brown (@AndrewBrownAU) March 8, 2020
Who disturbs my slumber pic.twitter.com/VOaa2gvZG3
— Andrew Brown (@AndrewBrownAU) March 8, 2020
My money is on Skywhale
— Andrew Brown (@AndrewBrownAU) March 8, 2020
Skywhale is one of several dozen hot-air balloons inflated at the lawns of Old Parliament House as part of the balloon spectacular. However, unlike the other balloons she will remain tethered.
The first three days of the spectacular saw perfect flying conditions for the aircraft.
READ MORE:
-
What's on for the Canberra Day long weekend
-
Skywhale will soon have a companion
-
Skywhale donated to National Gallery of Australia
The spectacular will be just the start of several events happening across Canberra to mark the city's 107th birthday.
An array of live music and entertainment will take place in the Parliamentary Triangle throughout the day, starting from 10am with a dragon boat display on Lake Burley Griffin.
Music will then take centre stage throughout the day, featuring Canberra-based acts from 11.30am, including The Beanies, Boots n All Veterans Choir, Rob Jarah, Maxo, Dana Hassall and Rhythm and Girl.
From 6pm, Canberrans will get a chance to say thank you to the many emergency service workers who protected Canberra during the horror bushfire season. A formal presentation will be made to the ACT Emergency Services Agency and ACT Parks and Conservation staff of the 2020 Canberra Citizen of the Year.
The joint winners of the award were announced earlier last week, ahead of the formal ceremony on Canberra Day.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast Monday to be partly cloudy with light winds and a top of 21 degrees with a 20 per cent chance of rain in Canberra.
READ MORE:
