Ballooning Brilliance: The Greatest Special Shape Balloons of All Time (Part 1 of 3)

Special shape balloons are unique - there are no two the same. Whether it’s a product replica such as a beer bottle or shopping trolley built to advertise, or a made up character purely made for fun, these creations are always fascinating to look at and steal the show at events and festivals they attend. Hot air balloons not in the conventional teardrop shape combine artistry, engineering, and creativity to create a spectacle that captivates people of all ages.

Let’s be honest, there have been some absolutely hideous shape designs over the years and some that just don’t fly well or look quite right. However, most special shapes, mostly ones built pre 2000 or before the days of the internet, are a masterpiece of design and engineering. And a select few stand out to us as the best ever created, in terms of complexity and sheer wow factor. Add-on round balloons, leave now! 

Welcome to part 1 of this special three-part blog series where we uncover the best special shape hot air balloons ever created. Shapes 25-16 are listed in this first part, then 15-6 in part 2 followed by the top 5 finale in part 3.

One thing to note before we begin with number 25 is that this list is not based off my own personal fondness of particular balloons; if it was, they would be virtually all UK shapes. I have tried to look through the hundreds of shapes built since the very first in 1976 and carefully pick out ones that have the most complicated structures and epic designs. Some you may not even recognise! 

Let’s get started… 

25. Sonic the Hedgehog

Reg: G-SEGA / N750SH
Type: CAMERON SONIC-90
Year: 1993

First up at number 25 is a familiar face, it’s Sonic, rocking his red sneakers and unmistakable, cheeky grin! Commissioned by SEGA and operated by Virgin Airship & Balloon Company (VABC) until 1997, Sonic the Hedgehog remains one of the UK’s most cherished special shape balloons to this day.

With his large blue spines cleverly crafted to mirror his iconic silhouette, it not only stays true to the character’s design but also adds a striking 3D element that makes him instantly recognisable from any angle.

Credit: Ballooning Pictures UK

Image: MJ Ballooning

24. Cadbury’s Caramel Bunny

Reg: G-BUNI
Type: CAMERON BUNNY-90
Year: 1993

Another VABC UK classic from the glory days of special shapes and Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta is the beloved caramel bunny. The idea for the balloon emerged after a flight with Cadbury’s marketing director in a bunch of carrots balloon, which led to the realisation that a striking special shape is exactly what the company needed.

The concept for “Miss Bunny” was born. The bunny is depicted in a relaxed pose leaning on two vertical bars to incorporate the caramel chocolate bar advertising. A secret weekday setup at the Cadbury’s factory in Bourneville caused such excitement among workers that it shut down production lines, earning praise from senior management ahead of the balloon's public debut.

Credit: Ballooning Pictures UK

23. Vincent Van Gogh

Reg: PH-GOG
Type: CAMERON GOGH-110
Year: 2003

The Vincent Van Gogh balloon is a remarkable fusion of art and aviation, bringing the iconic artist’s visage to life in the skies, standing 92ft tall. It showcases a fully digital print of Van Gogh’s face, meticulously capturing the brush strokes and vibrant colours to bring this masterpiece to life.

Credit: Ben Bläss

22. Rupert Bear

Reg: G-BTML
Type: CAMERON RUPERT BEAR-90
Year: 1991

Coming in at number 22 is probably the most loved UK hot air balloon ever created, it is of course the great Rupert Bear. Children's comic strip character Rupert first appeared in the Daily Express newspaper in 1920 and 71 years later became a regular favourite in the Great British skies. He was one of the first 150ft high character special shapes to be manufactured.

Rupert’s legacy continues to inspire ballooning communities, representing the timeless appeal of this beloved character and the efforts of those working to keep his spirit alive.

Credit: Ballooning Pictures UK

21. George White Superbike

Reg: G-CGJV / PH-GJV
Type: LBL MOTORBIKE
Year: 2010

The Superbike is one of the largest hot air balloons ever made, standing 37 meters high and 46 meters long, originally sponsored by motorcycle dealer George White. Weighing over half a ton, this giant Yamaha replica is a true marvel of engineering. Upon inflation it covers the same area as nearly two basketball courts. Crewing for it isn’t just a task - it’s a full-body workout!

Credit: Ben Bläss

20. Wish Cake

Reg: G-WISH (second version 2001 G-BZNZ / N122FP / PH-TJL)
Type: LBL CAKE
Year: 1992

The Wish Cake hot air balloon is a delightful three-tiered creation, adorned with pink candles, ribbons, and roses, making it the perfect flying celebration of birthdays and special moments. The original Wish Cake was built in 1992 followed by a later identical version in 2001, both designed and piloted by well known pilot Frank Prell. The detail of the candles and roses is quite remarkable.

Credit: Wish Cake Special Shape Hot Air Balloon

Credit: Air Nature Ballon

19. Harley Davidson

Reg: G-BMUN
Type: CAMERON HARLEY-78
Year: 1987

In the 1980s, Malcolm Forbes, publisher of Forbes magazine, amassed a world-class collection of special shape balloons, all crafted by Cameron Balloons in Bristol. Forbes commissioned a unique balloon for each country he visited, setting a new standard for creativity in ballooning. Starting in the early 80s, balloonists from across the globe gathered at his French estate in Balleroy, Northern France, where he would debut his latest masterpiece.

The Harley Davidson motorbike was one of the most impressive of the fleet at a staggering 187ft long. Although perhaps not the most stable in flight due to its thin structure, the vision to build something so complex and so early in the days of special shapes must be commended.

All of Forbes’ extraordinary designs fascinated crowds who had never seen anything like them, as only a handful of special shapes existed at the time and nothing on this scale. Will any other Forbes shapes appear further up the list? Stay tuned to find out.

Credit: Ballooning Pictures UK

18. Santa Claus

Reg: G-HOHO / HB-QKC
Type: COLT SANTA-CLAUS
Year: 1990

Feeling festive? Okay, maybe it’s not the right time of year, but this one just had to make the top 25 list! Say hello to Santa, a Thunder & Colt special shape also piloted by Frank Prell. Look closely and you can see a clown peeping out of the sack of presents, which was also a real hot air balloon, 1989 G-GWIZ.

This also wins the best balloon registration of all time.

Credit: Flickr @newsart

17. St. Gallen Cathedral

Reg: HB-QSG
Type: KUBICEK BB GALLEN
Year: 2002

This incredible design of St. Gallen's baroque cathedral was constructed to commemorate its 200th anniversary. The concept was developed by artists Jan Kaeser and Martin Zimmermann, with Kubicek Balloons taking on the complex task of building it - described as their most intricate project to date. Standing 31 meters tall and 26 meters long, the balloon flew across Switzerland during 2002 as part of the cathedral’s anniversary celebrations. An unforgettable sight!

Credit: Ben Bläss

16. Airabelle

Reg: G-BRHH / C-FCOW (second version 1996 N457C, third version 2004 N8282E)
Type: CAMERON COW-106
Year: 1989

Taking the final spot in part 1 is Airabelle! The 120ft wide Creamland cow balloon, named Airabelle in 1995, has been a beloved feature of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta since 1989. Designed by Aero Dynamics in Calgary, Alberta, the idea was inspired by the nursery rhyme about a cow jumping over the moon. While the balloon originally included an inflatable crescent moon, it was removed due to practical challenges during landings. It contains 33 Velcro air vents.

Over the years there have been 4 versions of this design, two of which in 1989, although one (PH-KOE) was built to the wrong spec and was absolutely enormous.

Credit: Ben Bläss

Thanks for joining us for part 1 of Ballooning Brilliance: The Greatest Special Shapes of All Time and we will see you in a few days for part 2!

Which shapes do you think are on the list as we approach the top 10?

See you on Sunday.