National Balloon Week is ready for lift-off!
Next week sees the celebration of National Balloon Week commencing May 22nd 2011.
A balloon is simply a flexible bag inflated with a gas such as helium, hydrogen or oxygen and can be made from material such as rubber, latex or nylon. Even dried animal bladders have been used in the past to make balloons; lovely!
In 1824, whilst experimenting with different gases, Michael Faraday invented the most common type of balloon, the rubber balloon.
In 1782, whilst watching a bonfire the French Montgolfier brothers, realised that warm air was lighter than cool air and set about filling a bag with hot air to see if it would fly. The rest is history as they say.
In contrast, in the 1970s, metalized plastic film began to be used to create pretty decorative floating foil balloons filled with helium.
As well as for fun, balloons are used as flying machines for transport, pleasure trips, defence and meteorology.
It goes without saying that here at Virgin Balloon Flights we love balloons, not least because balloons tend to conjure images of colour, happiness and celebration.
Balloons can also symbolise something special; a birthday, a party, happiness, togetherness and in
the case of hot air ballooning – daring, romance and adventure! Just visit our gallery and you’ll get
the idea.
So to experience a magical balloon ride in one of our beautiful big red iconic balloons and feel part of ballooning history, take a look at our range of balloon flights that take off from almost every corner of England, Scotland and Wales.
You can also find out more about the ballooning experience by visiting us on Facebook and by following us @VirginBalloons on Twitter.
Ballooning Events, Father's Day, General ballooning stuff, Hot Air Balloon History, Hot Air Ballooning, hot air ballooning, Romantic Gifts, The Balloon
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balloon history, hot air ballooning, michael faraday, montgolfier brothers, national balloon week, Virgin Balloon Flights Website
Hi there…. I was wondering if you have any pictures of your activities during National Balloon Week? I really keen to fly, but I’m really nervous, so wanted to see a balloon in action before I take the plunge.
Becci
Hi Becci, thanks for your comment. We have lots of pictures in our gallery on our site (select gallery from our main menu). You can also see lots of other passenger photos on our Facebook page, facebook.com/virginballoonflights. Ballooning is very serene and calm as you drift with the wind so there really is nothing to be nervous about – our baskets are big and sturdy (they seat 16 passengers) so you feel very safe. Our highly experienced pilots are always on had so if you have any specific questions do get in touch. Hope to see you soon, Eve