Wardy’s Waffle launch overshadowed by blimp mishap

The 2025 Cereals Event drew more than 20,000 visitors to Heath Farm, Leadenham, Lincolnshire – marking another successful hosting by farmer and YouTuber Andrew Ward.

But while the two-day arable showcase on 11-12 June was a triumph for the industry, it was tinged with disappointment for Mr Ward, whose giant Wardy’s Waffle blimp broke free and flew off into the Lincolnshire skies.

“We decided to use Cereals as a launch for the Wardy’s Waffle brand,” said Mr Ward, who installed a waffle bar next to the Young Farmers area and promoted it on his YouTube channel.

See also: Cereals 2025 host Andrew Ward reflects on farming changes

“I thought, what better than to have a massive blimp with the logo on it so that everyone on the showground could see it.”

The helium-filled blimp measured 6m wide and 2m deep, and was tethered to an 8RX John Deere tractor.

But a freak incident on Wednesday morning saw the rope snag on the tepee structure, causing friction that ultimately burned through the tether.

“About 20 minutes later someone came over and said: ‘Is that your balloon flying towards Lincoln?’” Mr Ward recalled.

“It cost me several hundred pounds. I thought I could use it for three or four years – maybe also for another Cereals event too. I’m really disappointed to lose it.”

© Andrew Ward

Footage of the rogue balloon surfaced online, with some claiming it was spotted as far away as Birmingham and even Airdrie, Scotland.

Despite the loss, the event was widely hailed as a much needed morale boost for the industry.

“The feeling in the industry is one of gloom,” said Mr Ward. “I wanted to get people smiling, laughing, and talking. There’s nothing better than a farmer offloading their stories to another farmer – and I think we achieved that.”

Local economy boost

With accommodation booked up for a 35-mile radius around Leadenham, and even the local garage running out of fuel due to demand, Mr Ward said the benefits to the local economy were “massive”.

His partner, Rhonda Thompson, added: “People were bumping into old friends they hadn’t seen for years.”

Even a North Yorkshire hill sheep farmer with no interest in arable said he “loved every minute”.

“It’s been a brilliant two days,” said Mr Ward. “Just a shame about the blimp.”