When most people picture a hot air balloon, they’re thinking of the classic, teardrop-shaped balloon drifting peacefully above the landscape. A standard hot air balloon consists of three main parts: the envelope (the colourful fabric balloon itself), the basket (or gondola) that carries passengers and the pilot, and the burner that heats the air. The familiar bulbous shape, which tapers at the bottom and rounds out at the top allows the heated air to be contained efficiently, providing stable lift while maintaining a smooth aerodynamic flow as the balloon rises and drifts with the wind.
Balloons typically range from small solo balloons called hoppers, capable of flying the pilot only, who sits on a chair to large passenger balloons that can carry a dozen or more people. Their envelopes are made from strong, nylon or polyester fabric, coated to withstand the intense heat from the burners. The simplicity of the standard shape also makes these balloons easier to handle than complex special shapes. They’re faster to inflate and deflate, lighter to transport, and more predictable to fly.
There are also model hot air balloons which are miniature versions of full-sized balloons, designed to replicate the principles of real hot air balloon flight - just on a smaller scale. Whilst they cannot carry people due to their smaller size, you will see many of them with a teddy bear in charge! At the Midlands Air Festival you will be able to see these balloons up close and possibly even have a go if weather conditions permit!
At the Midlands Air Festival there are four mass ascents, weather permitting, over the course of the event, starting Friday evening and finishing Sunday morning consisting of up to 100 standard hot air balloons, plus everyone's favourite rare and exciting special shapes!
In the UK, balloons can only fly early in the morning and in the evening when the weather and wind conditions are at their best and most stable with no thermal activity from the sun. Due to the nature of ballooning there is a degree of flexibility with the timings so please be patient, it will be worth the wait, our pilot's really do want to fly! Should the weather not be in our favour for a free flight, we will try our best to put on a tethered or burner display. As always, our commentary team will keep you up to date.
In the UK, balloons can only fly early in the morning and in the evening when the weather and wind conditions are at their best and most stable with no thermal activity from the sun. Due to the nature of ballooning there is a degree of flexibility with the timings so please be patient, it will be worth the wait, our pilot's really do want to fly! Should the weather not be in our favour for a free flight, we will try our best to put on a tethered or burner display. As always, our commentary team will keep you up to date.
To view our 2026 standard and model line up, click below!
