British Balloon Museum and Library Inflation Day 2026

At the time of writing this the team is still recovering from an absolute nonstop weekend of ballooning! What a weekend it was too! We completed three flights in special shape balloons and inflated several envelopes at the British Balloon Museum and Library inflation day.

The inflation day happens every two years and is the BBM&L’s main event. It is an opportunity for balloonists and enthusiasts to get together and see some exceedingly rare and unique balloons displayed.

We had booked in with G-BVBJ Maxwell House which we have been looking after for the Museum and G-BVZT our first balloon Molly Mae. As well as this we had agreed to inflate two of MJ Ballooning’s fleet and assist fellow pilot Peter Lickorish with his vintage Viva 77.

The day of the event dawned with a perfect forecast, and we arrived early to find many teams already setting up. We managed to find a spot at the time of field and got the kit ready before briefing. We decided to inflate MJ Ballooning’s J&B Whiskey bottle first G-OJBW. This was the final balloon commissioned by J&B in what was one of the UK’s longest running commercial contracts. The balloon was manufactured by Lindstrand Balloons in the 1997. Despite its age the balloon still looks fantastic. The artwork on the balloon is all hand painted as well which must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.

After we had packed J&B away, we decided to inflate G-BVZT next. As the winds were so light we took advantage of this, and our trainee pilot Liam Menzies was able to do the first of his two tethers.

This involved him prepping the balloon for tethering by setting up the ropes and vehicles in the correct positions. He then ensured the load calculations were accurate to allow for different passengers in and out. There also must be a good awareness of emergency situations. Briefings were next and due to added dangers of the kit being under so much pressure the detail in them was vital. Liam then inflated the balloon which is no different to when flying. Once the balloon was upright it was time to have all the vehicles and ropes checked and moved into the right position.

After this Liam conducted a fantastic twenty minute tether and kept the balloon under control at all times, we did a passenger change and practised bringing the balloon down to the ground in a controlled manner. Liam then deflated the balloon safely and we got it packed away.

Following this Peter Lickorish inflated a vintage Cameron Viva 77 G-BUHM. The balloon is a lovely mix of blue and yellow squares. Whilst old it held the air well and may be a little project that Peter is considering getting airworthy again.

We then decided to inflate another of MJ Ballooning’s fleet G-OZOE. Another Lindstrand from the nineties and this time shapes like a Cornetto Ice Cream! This balloon is stunning and even has 3D nuts on the top just like the real thing. This balloon is a real rarity in the UK having only ever been free flown once and inflated a couple of times. We are hoping to fly this in the near future, it was a real crowd pleaser at the event!

Cornetto was soon packed away, and we wanted a little bit of a break as the shapes are hard and heavy work, especially in the sun. Another team wanted to inflate some envelopes and to save them rigging up another bottom end we leant them ours whilst we went for some good.

To finish off the day we then inflated G-BVBJ Maxwell House and did a short tether in it. Once we packed it down, we had to shoot off as we had a flight planned and needed to refuel. What an amazing day. Thank you so much to the BBM&L, all of the organisers and staff at the event and all of our amazing helpers.