The world’s first solar hybrid balloon, now under development in Bristol, will make its maiden flight at the city’s iconic international balloon fiesta next month.
The innovative balloon, produced by Cameron Balloons, was showcased this week to coincide with the announcement of St Austell Brewery as the official sponsor for 2015.
The balloon – the world’s first solar-powered certified aircraft – will make its debut flight at the fiesta, Europe’s largest hot air balloon gathering which takes place from August 6 to 9.
It will be partially powered by the sun and partially powered by a conventional propane burner.
Panels of fabric, specifically selected to soak in the sun’s rays, are being cut and sewn together to create the balloon envelope, by a number of specialist sewing machinists on the top floor of Cameron Balloon’s Bedminster factory. The work is expected to complete by late July to allow time for test inflations.
As production got underway, the internationally-renowned balloon manufacturer’s inflation room was transformed to host a gala dinner where St Austell Brewery were announced as title sponsors, while Eurorecycling will be Saturday Nightglow Sponsors, local events business McBaile Exclusive Catering will be Thursday Nightglow Sponsors and Red Letter Days will be the Air Display Partner.
Andrew Garrad, Chairman of Bristol 2015 said: “One of the reasons Bristol won the title of European Green Capital is the city’s impressive track record in pioneering new forms of green technology. It feels extremely fitting that Bristol – the current Green Capital, and the home of ballooning – is now developing the world’s first hybrid solar-powered hot air balloon. I am very much looking forward to celebrating its maiden voyage in August and hope that this project will inspire many more firsts for Bristol.”
Jane Oakland, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, commented: “Bristol is the capital of ballooning and we’re thrilled that the Fiesta will act as the launch pad for the first hybrid solar hot air balloon, especially in the year the city is the European Green Capital. We now have four fantastic sponsors announced who after supporting the fiesta 100 Club will be associated with not only a world-class event, but also a world first.”
Vicky Guy, sales development manager, St Austell Brewery, commented: “We’re incredibly excited to be named the title sponsor, this is more than we could have ever imagined. We’ve grown in Bath & Bristol over the last three years and we’re so proud to be sponsoring the Fiesta. Join us in raising a Tribute to toast the event this year.
The annual free event will see over 130 hot air balloons take off from Ashton Court Estate at dawn and dusk, and light up the skies at night with evening balloon glows. It offers entertainment for all the family featuring four days of colourful hot-air balloon displays, aerial displays, fairground rides, delicious food stalls and bar, balloon tethering, model aircraft displays, experiential activities and a local music stage.
