On this day in 1785

From The Times' "On this Day snippet today:

May 20, 1785: An early advertisement for ballooning from The Times in 1785. Balloonist, Mr Blanchard, informs readers that there is alternative entertainment in case of poor weather

MR. BLANCHARD respectfully informs the Nobility and Gentry, that on SATURDAY next, the 21st Instant, he intends to ascend precisely at TWO o’CLOCK, with the same Balloon with which he crossed the Channel on 7th of January last, and will be accompanied in that Voyage by a Gentleman of Fashion, who (before the final departure of the Balloon from the Ground, will ascend with Mr. Blanchard) intends to try several Experiments of Hawks flying after their Game, in View of the Spectators, at the Academy of Aerostation, in a spacious and most commodious Ground of about Four Acres extent, entirely surrounded with high Walls, situated at South-Lambeth, not above Two Hundred Yards from Vauxhall Turnpike.

Mr. BLANCHARD informs the Public, that in case unfavourable Weather should oblige him to make any Alteration in the Day of his intended Experiment, that at all Events the Falconers will attend at the Ground with their Hawks, and afford some Amusement to those Ladies and Noblemen who may be fond of that Sport, and the Tickets will remain in their Hands for the Day Experiment.

The Road leading to the Ground is wide, and open on all Sides, so that several thousand Carriages may be ranged in the adjacent Ground with the greatest Ease.

N. B. The Company are particularly requested to order their Coachmen, after having set them down close to the Door, to drive on, and follow the Directions of proper Persons, posted at the Gate for that Purpose.

No mention of the event in Blanchard's Wikipedia entry so maybe there was alternative entertainment.

The image in this post "Air Balloon ; or Mr. Blanchard's Grand Aerostatic Machine" is slightly earlier, from 1784.