This blog has been kindly written by team member Helen Goldring. Her and her son Liam attended the 2026 Llangollen Model Balloon Meet on the 14th of March 2026.

When we think of a model we imagine a 1:24 scale replica. That’s not the case with model hot air balloons. They may be smaller than the full size balloons but they are still pretty big and they work in just the same way but often with radio control and an obligatory cuddly toy pilot!
Hannah, Liam and I decided that we wanted to make our own model balloon and so our family project has begun.

Meeting other model balloonists is a great way to learn and enjoy the hobby. So Liam and I arranged to go to the model balloon meet in Llangollen (klan-goth-luhn), Wales.
It was an early start, but we are quite used to that during the balloon season. Once we crossed the Welsh border the scenery was spectacular.

Liam and I arrived feeling very excited and a little apprehensive, but looking forward to putting faces to names.

We were greeted by Bob, then Tom and Andy, and were immediately made to feel very welcome. Although we didn’t arrive with a model balloon of our own (yet!) but the teams were all keen to get us involved.

We helped Tom get his Skyburst balloon inflated, just as you would with a full sized balloon but much less effort required on the crown line. To begin with, Tom had a few technical problems with the RC unit. I was given gloves and a few quick instructions and there I was in charge of Tom’s balloon, alongside team Amarelo’s pink pig, while he sorted the RC unit out. Of course he wasn’t far away and was keeping a close eye on me. I did alright with piloting my first model balloon!

The first scheduled event of the day was the mass launch where approximately 25 teams all inflated their balloons simultaneously. The pavilion was a sea of rainbow colours as pilots young and old, novice and expert, all launched their pride and joy.
The balloons on display were really diverse. Some were constructed from coloured bin bags, with cardboard box baskets and inflated with hairdryers! Whilst others were intricate designs with very technical burner systems and remote controls.
They all looked amazing, and we still had the special shapes to come!

Just before lunch we were treated to a quick inflation of two of the British Balloon Museum and Library’s vintage model balloons. Then the ambitious/competitive teams embarked on their competition challenge – knock as many Easter eggs as you can off the top of a traffic cone with the basket of your radio controlled balloon!

Whilst this was in progress Liam and I met a lovely couple – Michelle and David from MD Model Ballooning. They too are newcomers to the hobby but certainly not easing themselves in gently! They brought along their new 50m3 purple balloon and their new Bertie Bear special shape balloon. It was a pleasure to see both balloons on their first inflation and to assist with the team too.

Next up after the competition were the special shapes. It’s fair to say that Bertie Bear stole the show but he was in great company. Also present were Dexter the Dino, the lorry, a bird, an owl, a cupcake, rockets, aliens, Baby Bel, and a sheep, to name just a few! Of course there had to be a sheep but I’m hoping I don’t encounter as many sheep this balloon season as I did last season!

Later in the afternoon Liam had the opportunity to fly a couple of balloons with Martyn Turner. He was in his element and seemed to get the hang of it quickly. My attempt was a little less controlled but great fun all the same.

The day then came to the perfect close with a really special model balloon glow. Another great photo opportunity and an honour to be asked to help by the teams with their model balloons.

We’re really looking forward to meeting up with everyone again at future events! We are also very excited to be making our own balloon too.

Thank you to everyone who helped organise such a wonderful day and for inviting us along and making us feel so welcome.

Watch this space for team Goldring’s model balloon build.

Check out the UK Model Balloon Facebook Page here https://www.facebook.com/groups/233587210864/