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.

Today we helped our friends at Bristol Balloon Collectors inflate three of their old envelopes at Ashton Court; Auto Bild, Asda and G-BTWJ. Another two balloons also joined us in the park for a tether ahead of the 2025 flying season!