The spectacular Midlands Air Festival will return in 2021 to its original location of Ragley Hall in Warwickshire on 4th - 6th June 2021.
The ticketed event, now the largest display of special shape hot air balloons in Europe, will feature more than 40 of these in 2021 alongside over 100 round balloons. Past special shapes to attend have included Bertie Bassett, Rupert Bear, the Scottish Piper and Superbike! See below for the 2021 confirmed list so far…
“The stunning Ragley Hall estate offers thousands of acres to enable us to host an amazing air festival for locals, national and international visitors alike, whilst still allowing ample space for sufficient social distancing and a relaxing experience"
Spectators will also enjoy a full air display programme during Saturday and Sunday afternoon, which will feature WW2 Warbirds, WW1 air displays, fast jets, helicopters, gyroplanes, high energy aerobatic displays, aerial ballet and flying circus acts as well as parachute and formation display teams, all contained within beautiful surroundings of the Ragley Estate.
After a year of postponed events across the country, the festival organisers continue their plans for the annual event with Covid-secure procedures in place, should they be required.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are limited to specific numbers per day, so those wishing to attend are advised to book soon to avoid disappointment.
For more information and to book tickets visit the Midlands Air Festival website.
 |  |
2021 Special Shapes Attending - Part 1
Here's a recap of the 2021 special shapes attending so far, or if you haven't seen our shared social media posts your first look at them! Which is your favourite so far?
Look out for Part 2 of this series of Midlands Air Festival blogs coming very soon.
| 1. Orient Express | Reg: G-LOKO |
Making its debut appearance at the Midlands Air Festival from the Netherlands, organisers welcome the Orient Express! Now retired from flying it's owned by Team For Old Balloons, an old balloon preservation group.
| 2. The Head | Reg: G-HEAD |
Designed by Swedish artist Peter Hellbom, this extremely rare special shape will make its first public UK appearance for many years. Weather permitting, the Head will be flying out of the event as part of its 40th birthday celebrations!
| 3. Guinea Pig | Reg: G-GPIG |
Bristol balloonists Craig and Mandy Thompson are bringing along their giant Guinea Pig balloon. It's not been seen much around the UK after being built 2 years ago by Lindstrand Technologies and has very few flying hours . Be sure to give them a wave!
| 4. Hyla the Frog | Reg: G-HYLA |
Returning in 2021 is Kubicek-built Hyla the Frog. This balloon is what's called an 'add on' shape, like the Guinea Pig, which works similarly to a standard teardrop balloon and is much easier to fly than a large shape. Catch Hyla at the Friday Nightfire event and hopefully taking to the skies during the mass ascents!
| 5. Elephant | Reg: G-BMKX |
Also returning to the 2021 Midlands Air Festival is Benji the Elephant, which celebrates its 35th birthday this year! You may have seen him at Arbury Hall in 2019.
| 6. Swatch Watches | Reg: HB-BHA, G-BMJJ, HB-BHC |
The organisers welcome all 3 Swatch Watch balloons to Ragley Hall. G-BMJJ owned in the UK has attended both past events but this year will be their first ever UK appearance together! Coming from Switzerland, HB-BHA will be tethering and HB-BHC hoping to fly.
 |  |  |
| 7. Buddy | Reg: G-WLVE |
Built to advertise Windows Live in 2006, this special shape has had a makeover during the last few years, now known as Buddy. It will be returning after attending the inaugural 2018 event.
| 8. BBM&L Barrel | Reg: G-PINT |
The British Balloon Museum & Library (BBM&L) will be appearing at the 2021 festival with a selection of old special shapes; the first being their own branded Barrel. G-PINT has been with the BBM&L for many years, created in 1982 to promote Charles Wells brewery. All BBM&L balloons will be tethered.
| 9. L.E Electrical Light Bulb | Reg: G-LAMP |
A familiar sight a few years ago to our followers living in Bristol! Midlands 2021 will be G-LAMP's first balloon festival under new ownership with pilot Paul Wade. This giant 120ft tall light bulb will be seen at the Friday Nightfire and mass launches.
| 10. Old Parr Whiskey Bottle | Reg: G-PARR |
The second BBM&L special shape booked is this giant whiskey bottle completed in 1994 by Cameron Balloons, which will make its Midlands Air Festival debut. It’s so big it could hold more than 2.5 million litres of whiskey!
| 11. Agfa | Reg: G-PHOT, G-OHDC |
Do you remember these from the 90s? Not one but two Agfa film canister balloons will be joining the 2021 special shape line-up, both standing 120ft tall. 3 were built in total, these being the 2 later ones, with 1992 G-OXRG stored away in Belgium.
 |  |
| 12. Satzenbrau Pils Bottle | Reg: G-BIRE |
Our friends at the Bristol Balloon Collectors are bringing a selection of balloons along including their retro beer bottle; one of the earliest UK special shapes, built in 1981.
Part 2 coming soon...
Part 2 of this series of blogs will be on the way shortly, where you can find out the next few special shapes attending right here on MJ Ballooning before anywhere else!
More information
For more information and to book tickets visit the Midlands Air Festival website.
