IT all started with what seemed like a crazy idea. But this weekend, months of planning come to fruition when the skies over the county will be filled with colourful hot air balloons for the first ever Essex Spectacular on Saturday and Sunday.

Taking place at the Barleylands showground, Billericay, the event will see dozens of hot air balloons in a variety of sizes and shapes, including Thomas the Tank Engine, the largest of its kind in the world and a huge favourite with kids, the 100ft tall rolled Financial Times newspaper and the famous Maxwell House coffee jar, used in the television commercials.

The Essex Spectacular was conceived by a team of Southend business people and event manager Paul Sayer says “It’s almost unbelievable that a year ago this was little more than an idea. Now it’s not only a reality, but also set to be one of the most exciting and varied shows seen in years.

“We had been working on several ideas ranging from a series of upmarket food shows to some unique musical productions. But after finally securing a date on the prestigious UK hot air balloon calendar just ten short months ago it seemed a great opportunity to bring together all the elements into one great show, and the Essex Spectacular is the result.”

However, the event promises to be much more than balloons with a massive range of exhibits and experiences on offer including cars, travel, home and lifestyle.

For gastronauts, one of the key highlights of the event will be the Taste Village – a spectacular mix of food, drink and regular cooking demonstrations performed by renowned chefs Antonio Carluccio and Cyrus Todiwala.

They will be supported by some of London’s top chefs, including Paul Gayler, executive chef at the Lanesborough, Mayfair, Andrew Bennett, executive chef at Park Lane Hotel and Martin Nail, executive chef at Claridges.

Paul. who lives in Hadleigh, has put the Taste Zone together He says: “It has always been my dream to put together a culinary showcase with the cream of London chefs and the best of local Essex talent.

“Putting together a show with such diverse culinary styles has been extremely interesting and rewarding, and it is a chance for visitors to get tips from the best in the business. Everyone loves good food and this show is the ultimate chance to watch the best in action and find out their kitchen secrets.”

The event will also see the final of the Echo’s Supercook competition, where one amateur chef will be crowned champion after a live cook-off.

For petrol heads, the motor show is a must-see. From affordable family cars to a collection of vintage models and Heikki Kovalainen’s 2010 Lotus Formula One car, this is one hot display of automotive machinery.

Would-be Grand Prix drivers can also demonstrate their skills against the clock and fellow racers in two replica F1 cars.

For youngsters the Kid Zone, run by local children’s entertainers the Partyman company, offers oodles of free fun including a circus skills mini big top, the Tottenham Hotspur Roadshow, balloon modelling, a basketball shootout, a chance to chuck soaking sponges at characters in the stocks and a soft play area for under-threes.

Event organiser Martyn Austin, from Southend print company Circle Services, says: “I thought running a print company was demanding, but the Essex Spectacular surpasses those stress levels easily. But in reality, I am thoroughly enjoying myself and am probably more excited than the children will be when they turn up at our event.”

On Saturday evening, as light gives way to darkness, a stunning finale to the day will see all the balloons illuminated by their burners for a magical son et lumiere show, as the balloons illuminate in a sequence set to music inspired by James Bond, culminating with a firework display.

Phil Hossack, of balloon operator Sky Power, believes the event will attract a strong response from enthusiasts.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to stage a balloon festival and set a new date on the flying calendar,” he says. “The Essex Spectacular brings a regular balloon event to the South East of England for the first time. There is a large and passionate ballooning community who are excited about having a show so close to home at last.”

For more details see www.essexspectacular.co.uk The Essex Spectacular takes place on Saturday from 11am to 10pm, and on Sunday from 11am to 6pm. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the ticket hotline on 01702 428888. Prices are adults £15, under-14s £3, three and under free. Family tickets start at £37 for a family of four (two adults and two children).