The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta starts today and, if the weather is generous, the skies above the city could soon be filled with a spectacular selection of hot air balloons. However, only a select few can claim to be truly 'special'.
The Special Shapes category was introduced to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in 1997 and has continued to grow with a number of amazing and increasingly outrageous shapes each year. So, expect to see bright colours, animals and downright wacky objects at this year’s Fiesta!
Here are ten of our favourites expecting to launch this year:
1. Minion
Come and say hi to Stuart the Minion Balloon! The Fiesta is the only ballooning event he’s attending this year – anywhere in the world! He’ll be flying around the Bristol skies in his blue overalls, entertaining the crowd and celebrating Universal Pictures’ 'Minions' film.
2. Puddles the penguin
Who said penguins can’t fly? Puddles the penguin was brought to life when fans submitted ideas for a new balloon character for Exclusive Ballooning’s fifteenth Birthday competition. But Puddles has been sad and lonely floating around in the sky by himself, so Exclusive Ballooning have been secretly building him a special balloon buddy!
3. Splash the penguin
Splash the penguin was built in complete secrecy. She was introduced to Puddles on the August 1 at Longleat Safari Park’s Penguin Island. These love birds will have their first date at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
4. Satzenbrau beer bottle
MJ Ballooning
Ballooning is thirsty work. Good job there’s a giant beer balloon making an appearance. Sadly, it is not actually filled with beer. That would make it hard to get airborne.
5. Panasonic battery
Shaped like a Panasonic battery, this special shaped balloon is around 120 feet tall and 55 feet wide. This black and gold beauty made its maiden flight at the Fiesta back in 1999.
6. William Hill Scottish Cup
The largest of its type in the UK, this 125ft balloon is a giant replica of the William Hill sponsored Scottish Cup. This beauty took four months to build and even features a football player on the top of the cup.
7. L.E. Electrical light bulb
Colin Rayner
Lighting up the Bristol skies this year will be a huge light bulb-shaped hot air balloon. Built in 2000, the ‘bright ideas’ balloon is in its element during the Fiesta night glow.
8. Oons Kearlke & Oons Wiefke
Another balloon couple, these Dutch cartoon characters were ‘married’ in 2000 and are famous all over the world. This pair have travelled to many countries for hot air balloon events including Canada, Mexico and Thailand.
9. Swatch watch
This balloon is a Fiesta veteran. Built in 1985, it takes the shape of a giant Swatch watch with blue and white edging and multicoloured face. Make sure you wish this balloon a happy thirtieth birthday when you see it.
10. Ricoh cube
Nobody said that balloons need to be round. This giant red cube was built in 2012 and is a Fiesta favourite with its bright red shape visible for miles.
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes place from August 6-9, with balloons launching from Ashton Court estate.
Want more balloon facts? Check out ten pieces of trivia about the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.