On Wednesday 1st April, a number of hot air balloons gathered at Ashton Court Estate to mark the official launch of the 48th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, set to take place from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th August 2026. No, it wasn’t an April Fool’s joke. The aim was simple; bring some much-needed colour back to the Bristol skies after a long winter.

NEW FOR 2026!! We’re excited to announce something we’ve been working on behind the scenes… Interactive MJ Ballooning screens are coming to Bristol & Bath balloon launch sites.

Welcome to Part 3, the final part of our special shape story at MJ Ballooning.

By the time Part 2 ended, my childhood dream of owning special shape balloons was no longer just a crazy idea, it had come true. As a kid standing on the field watching those incredible shapes rise into the sky, I never would have believed that one day I’d be the one owning them. Yet somehow, I had reached eight special shapes in the collection, including Snow White, Sonic the Hedgehog and Action Man; some of the most popular and recognisable character shapes ever built. After a gap of more than two years, Part 3 picks up the story and covers the final seven special shapes I’ve acquired since then, taking the collection to fifteen in total. This blog looks at how each of those balloons was added, and where things stand today.

Join me as I walk you through each balloon one by one, on the road to fifteen…

From factory shadows to fiesta fame, meet Ralph the Rozière! Every balloon has a story, but few rival the unexpected charm and journey of Ralph, a once forgotten Rozière balloon that’s now one of the favourites in our special shape collection and stealing the spotlight at the UK’s biggest ballooning events. Here’s the story of how this balloon was brought back to life and transformed into a crowd favourite with a bit of creativity and imagination. From overlooked to unforgettable, Ralph proves that even the simplest shapes can make a big impression.

On Sunday 11th May, we brought three of our special shape hot air balloons to life at Snake Meadows in Saltford. What started as a quiet idea turned into a relaxed evening with friends, a few hundred spectators, and some rare shapes that don’t come out often. From Sonic the Hedgehog to a giant Nivea roll-on, it was one of those simple but satisfying ballooning nights that reminds us why we do it.

It started as a casual chat on a sunny evening in Bristol and ended with one of the most iconic special shapes in ballooning history landing in my collection. Here’s the incredible story of how the legendary Jesus balloon, now known as the Miracle Man, made its way from a dusty crate in Albuquerque to a sunrise inflation at Ashton Court.

Excited to announce that we are attending the famous Vredesfeesten in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium for the very first time this September.

We are delighted to reveal the initial design visuals of our new MJ Ballooning hot air balloon - showcasing all 11 of our special shapes as large add-ons from a white Z-105 envelope!

Part two of our special shape blog series talking about the greatest add-on special shapes to ever grace the skies. Some loved and recognisable characters in this second part, but which balloon will take the number one spot? Let’s find out!

Hot air balloons come in all shapes and sizes, but some designs go far beyond simple creativity; they push the boundaries of engineering. Among them, add-on special shapes stand out for their unique construction - built from a traditional teardrop “round” envelope but transformed with intricate appendages like arms, legs, or other larger, complex features. Some designs push the limits of what’s possible in balloon manufacturing, requiring expert craftsmanship and clever engineering to ensure they not only inflate properly but also remain stable in flight.