The spectacular event highlighted a hugely successful week for the challenge’s organising committee. The annual challenge brings thousands of visitors to Canowindra and around a million dollars to the town.

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 10 competition flights were completed from Tuesday to Monday – Monday morning’s key grab task marking the end of competition. Ms Kerr said the pilots couldn’t have imagined having such a convenient run of weather.

“The weather was magical. Nine out of 10 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 of Andrew Robertson in second.

“He cleaned up,” Jan said.

None of the pilots were successful in the key grab, but Clement came closest and picked up the runner-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.

Ms Kerr confirmed dates are booked for the challenge for the next three years.