From dragons to aliens: The hot air balloons that make everyone look up
Summary
Bristol has a long history with hot air balloons, starting in 1967 with the Bristol Belle. Every year, the city hosts the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, featuring many unusual shaped hot air balloons that attract crowds.Key Facts
- Bristol is known as the birthplace of modern hot air balloons since 1967.
- The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is held annually, with the 48th event scheduled for August 7-9.
- Special shaped balloons include the Scottish Piper, Slick the Dragon, and Oggy the Friendly Dragon.
- Action Man is a complex balloon design that looks like a figure mid-skydive but now mostly stays tethered.
- Astro the Alien and Astrina the Alien are popular alien-themed balloons piloted at UK balloon festivals.
- The Orient Express balloon represents a train and comes from the Netherlands.
- Wallace & Gromit's Moon Rocket balloon celebrates Bristol’s animation heritage and supports charity.
- Cameron Balloons and MJ Ballooning are key balloon makers involved in creating these special shapes.
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