Aerospace Bristol and Cameron Balloons present this exciting new exhibition, at Aerospace Bristol until Sunday 1 September.

'Look Up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol' will showcase balloons, baskets, burners, and balloon-themed activities, alongside the last Concorde to ever fly.

From Britain’s first modern hot air balloon, the Bristol Belle, to the annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and the incredible colours and shapes that adorn the city’s skies each August, Bristol is renowned as the home of hot air ballooning in the UK.

Book your ticket now

Look Up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol - credit Aerospace Bristol

Walk inside a balloon and get hands on

Explore the inside of a hot air balloon envelope, touch balloon fabrics, learn more about how hot air balloons are made and sit in real Concorde seats that are part of a unique balloon flown by a former Concorde pilot.

People inside hot air balloon - credit Aerospace Bristol

Design your own hot air balloon

Create your very own hot air balloon using Cameron Balloons' interactive SkySketcher tool. Whether you’re a budding artist or a ballooning enthusiast, SkySketcher allows you to bring your unique hot air balloon design to life. Each design will be submitted to Cameron Balloons, with the best one selected to receive a special prize.

Mobile phone with hot air balloon - credit Aerospace Bristol

Chalk balloons

SkySketcher isn’t the only chance for creativity. Between the hangars, hot air balloon outlines on the ground are available for colouring with chalk. Additionally, enlarged pages from Cameron Balloons’ own colouring book will be featured.

The Floating on Air Science Show

Join the museum’s Floating on Air Science Show, running daily throughout the summer holidays. Featuring a series of experiments, the show demonstrates how differences in density enable hot air balloons to take flight.

Science Show at Aerospace Bristol - credit Aerospace Bristol

The exhibition

"Look Up!" will feature the fabric of the Bristol Belle – Britain’s first modern hot air balloon. The exhibition will include displays of balloon burners, showcasing both a contemporary burner and an original one from the Bristol Belle.

Historical posters and images from the British Balloon Museum and Cameron Balloons will also be on display in the Concorde Hangar. See original fabrics and parts from Orbiter 3, the hot air balloon that completed the first non-stop around-the-world balloon flight and a half-balloon, basket and burner.

British Airways Concorde Alpha Foxtrot supersonic airliner inside Concorde Hangar at Aerospace Bristol - credit Adam Gasson
Image - Concorde Hangar at Aerospace Bristol

Big Balloon Weekend

On Saturday, 3rd August, and Sunday, 4th August, the museum will host Big Balloon Weekend. This special event will feature balloon inflations, opportunities to meet the pilots, hop into a balloon basket, and experience the thrill of firing up a burner.

All “Look Up!” activities are included with museum admission.

Book your ticket now

This blog was kindly sponsored and written by Aerospace Bristol