The summer exhibition and programme of family activities is a partnership between the Aerospace Bristol museum and Cameron Balloons

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

This summer, Aerospace Bristol and Cameron Balloons will celebrate that remarkable heritage.

The museum and Bristol-based hot air balloon manufacturer have revealed details of a special exhibition and programme of hot air balloon themed family activities running throughout the summer holidays.

‘Look Up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol’ will include:

· A hot air balloon alongside Concorde: The centrepiece of the exhibition will be a half-balloon, basket and burner, stunningly displayed alongside the last Concorde ever to fly.

· The Bristol Belle: Visitors will be able to see the original envelope and burner from Britain’s first modern hot air balloon.

· Concorde hot air balloon seats: These real Concorde seats are part of a unique hot air balloon flown by former Concorde pilot and balloonist, Captain Tim Orchard.

· Objects from Orbiter 3: Including fabric and the registration plate from the balloon that made the first non-stop around the world balloon flight.

· Balloon baskets and burners: Visitors will be able to step inside a balloon basket and see how balloon technology has progressed through the decades.

· Balloon fabrics: Free for visitors to touch, as they find out more about how hot air balloons are made.

· Objects from the British Balloon Museum and Library: A showcase of memorabilia giving a fascinating insight into ballooning history.

· Posters and images: Fantastic retro posters and amazing balloon images, alongside a timeline of hot air ballooning history.

Alongside the exhibition, museum visitors will enjoy hot air balloon themed activities, including:

· Design your own hot air balloon: The best designs created within the SkySketcher app will be selected at the end of the summer in a competition judged by the experts at Cameron Balloons.

· The Floating on Air Science Show: A fun and interactive science show that explains how hot air balloons fly, running daily throughout the summer holiday.

· Chalk balloons: Younger visitors will enjoy using chalk to create their own hot air balloon designs on the ground between the museum’s historic hangars.

· Expert talks: An exciting line-up of daytime and evening talks are planned, with speakers and ticket details to be announced soon.

· The Big Balloon Weekend: An extra special weekend of ballooning-related activities is planned for Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August, including balloon inflations, ‘Meet the Pilot’ sessions, and the chance to fire a hot air balloon burner.

‘Look Up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol’ will run from Wednesday 24th July to Sunday 1st September.

The special exhibition and all activities are included with museum admission and Aerospace Bristol tickets include free return visits for 12 months. Find out more at aerospacebristol.org.

More Details Revealed for ‘Look Up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol’