Balloon rides in Bristol are a staple there, so it is not surprising that the first ever solar-powered hot air balloon was launched for the very first time in the city.
The solar-powered balloon made its maiden voyage at the popular Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which took place from 6-9 August this year.
Luckily, the weather was sunny, which meant that the hybrid hot air balloon, which is capable of being powered both by the sun and in the traditional manner using propane, was able to take off without a hitch on the morning of Friday 7th August.
The balloon was launched in honour of Bristol’s status as the first European Green Capital in the UK.
The unique balloon was even built in the city by Bristol’s own Cameron Balloons, which is known for creating a number of popular hot air balloons, which have been launched worldwide, including a dramatic Darth Vader balloon and a popular hot air balloon shaped like a Minion from the Disney Pixar film of the same name.
The balloon was made using special panels of black fabric, which soak up the rays of the sun and convert that power to energy.
Also featured at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta were stunning nightglows, which saw a number of luminescent balloons fill up the night sky as evocative music was played, as well as a number of interesting balloons shaped like everything from a penguin to a ship.
