Welcome to our latest blog! This one is very special as it allows us to go behind the scenes and look at the making of the UK’s newest special shape balloon!

Finley or G-TURT is owned by Chris Freeman who is also one of the UK based Ultramagic Balloons Representatives. Chris has designed and purchased Finley to combine his love of special shapes, ballooning in general and also to demonstrate his trust in the brand he represents.

Finley was built in 2025 and went through a number of design changes before the final one was chosen. For example this early design below based around a B-70 envelope designed for lightweight travel. The final design combined the best of both worlds allowing for a more striking balloon but still allowing lightweight travel. Utilising the S-90’s slightly bulbous design gave the shell texture and the bigger size allowed for a 3D head as well.

With the design finalised the team at Ultramagic then began the build process. This started by cutting the various sheets of fabric to size. Finley is made up of hundreds of specially cut panels. These all have to be painstakingly measured and quality checked before being sewn together into gores which then get combined again with load tapes to make the balloon itself.

With all of the fabric cut into panels, the team at Ultramagic then began the process of sewing these together. First into gores and then combining them with load tapes to make the balloon itself. All of this is done using industrial sewing machines. However it all comes down to the skills of the seamstresses to ensure everything fits together perfectly.

With the balloon sewn together the next stage of the build process is the internal rigging. The various vents on the balloon have their control lines added and these are tested to ensure they work correctly. The nomex, kevlar flying wires and scoop are also added.

With the balloon now fully built the next stage is the test inflation. This is a very special moment as it allows a first look of the balloon inflated. It gives the factory staff an opportunity to admire their work and also identify and rectify any last minute changes that are needed. Chris flew out to spain to witness the test inflation which went off without a hitch.

Below is the official introduction to Finley provided by Chris. It contains some of the additional technical details plus the long term plans for the balloon.

Finley the Turtle Hot Air Balloon is set to make his splash onto the global ballooning scene at the end of 2025. Built by Ultramagic Balloons in Spain, Finley is certified as an S-90 envelope. Pairing a cute character design with professional build qualities. Finley brings together the dependability of Ultramagic manufacturing with the delight of a one-of-a-kind special-shape balloon.

As a brand-new, fully equipped balloon. Finley features the modern, lightweight Tekno CT-02 basket, known for it’s lightweight design, as well as it’s ease for travel, given it has a collapsable frame.  As well as a brand new basket, Finley comes equipped with the MK32 burner. Known for its strong, responsive output and reliable fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance. 

Finley is not only visually captivating; he’s also ready for international travel, certified for use at balloon events around the world. Over the next several years, he will be available for bookings at festivals and gatherings looking to add special shapes to their events.

His debut appearance will take place this December in Qatar, followed by the Philippines in February, where he is expected to delight spectators with his friendly turtle expression. 

Designed to delight audiences of all ages. Finley offers excellent photo opportunities, brand visibility (he has a large banner fixing point on his back), and an appearance that stands out among traditional balloon shapes.

Event organisers seeking a fresh, memorable, special-shape balloon will find Finley to be an exceptional addition to any lineup. 

For bookings, availability, or additional details, please contact uksales@ultramagic.co.uk.

We want to thank Chris and the team at Ultramagic for allowing us to have this special behind the scenes look at Finley the Turtle. We absolutely love special shape balloon at Molly Mae Ballooning. Finley is sure to be a scene stealer wherever he goes.

Please check out some bigger photos of Finley Below. Consider giving him a follow on his Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581666057503 and be sure to check out Ultramagic Balloons for your next project, you wont be disappointed in the results. https://www.ultramagic.co.uk/