Ever since I first saw Action Man fly as a child, it has been one of my absolute favourite special shape hot air balloons. Its size, detail and sheer presence make it one of the most impressive balloons ever built, and it has rightly earned legendary status among balloonists and spectators. After some challenges in recent years, we were determined to see whether we could get Action Man looking his very best once again. On a warm June evening at Ashton Court, it was time to find out… 

Our next event is the Bath Hot Air Balloon Club Summer Festival at Snake Meadows, Saltford on Saturday 18th July! We will be attending with a number of special shapes from our collection. Note that this line up could change depending on the forecast and weather conditions on the day. 

​The Midlands Air Festival is always one of the highlights of the hot air ballooning season, and 2026 certainly didn't disappoint. With three special shapes from our collection on site, some fantastic weather and plenty of flying opportunities, it turned out to be a brilliant weekend from start to finish. From memorable flights in Slick the Dragon and the Orange to bringing the Philips light bulb back to a major UK ballooning event after many years, here's a look back at our weekend at Ragley Hall.

Since we started collecting special shape balloons at MJ Ballooning in 2021, we’ve shared countless memorable moments from amazing flights to surprise reveals and everything in between. Hundreds of people have turned up to watch our evening inflations, and seeing the joy on their faces has made each moment even more special. 

At the end of April, we had a busy weekend tethering and flying some of our special shapes at the BBM&L inflation day and in Northampton with Molly Mae Ballooning.

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.