Special Shape Hot Air Balloons: The Most Unusual Designs

Most hot air balloons have the familiar upside-down teardrop shape, but some of the most memorable balloons look nothing like that. Special-shape balloons have been built as houses, animals, drinks bottles, cartoon characters and even a French château. Here's how they're made, and where you're most likely to see them.

What is a special-shape balloon?

A special-shape balloon is any hot air balloon built in a shape other than the standard envelope. Most are made to promote a brand, raise money for a cause, or simply to delight crowds at balloon festivals. Inside, many still have a normal balloon-shaped space holding the hot air. The outer shape is made from extra panels of fabric, held in place by the pressure of the air inside.

Designing one is a real feat of engineering. The shape has to hold its form as it fills with air, fly safely, and stay controllable. Ears, legs, handles and other details that stick out have to be carefully designed, so they don't flap, collapse or catch the wind.

Famous special shapes

One of the best-known early special shapes was a hot air balloon in the form of the Château de Balleroy in Normandy, built in the early 1980s for the American publisher Malcolm Forbes, a keen balloonist who owned the château. Since then, special shapes have included giant animals, fruit, characters from films and children's TV, and copies of famous buildings.

Many of the world's special shapes have been made in Bristol, where Cameron Balloons has been building balloons since 1971.

Where to see them

The best place to see special shapes in Britain is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, held at Ashton Court every August. Special shapes are often a highlight of the mass launches. The fiesta's night glows, where tethered balloons light up in time to music, are a spectacle too.

Special shapes are mostly for festivals and promotional flights, though. Passenger flights use large standard balloons with roomy baskets, designed for comfort and safety. If you'd like to fly near the home of the fiesta, see our balloon rides in Bristol, or read about more fascinating ballooning facts.