Hardys Wine Heads Sky High

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta's title sponsor Hardys Wine will take centre stage during the mass ascents and nightglow extravaganzas by launching its newly made hot-air balloon at Ashton Court from 7th – 10th August.

The balloon is the work of Bristol-based Cameron Balloons, one of the world’s leading and most experienced balloon manufacturers. With the last run of stitches and a successful test inflation, the Hardys balloon is ready to make its first appearance at the Fiesta press launch in the coming weeks.

Chief Pilot for Flying Enterprises, Ian Martin, explains:

“When designing and manufacturing a balloon the process takes between six weeks to six months depending on the size, complexity, and if it is a special shape. As the fiesta was fast approaching, the team at Camerons has worked exceptionally hard to get the Hardys hot-air balloon ready in just four weeks. I saw it last week for the first time and I can’t wait to be flying the title sponsor balloon at this year’s fiesta.”

The balloon’s artwork is simple yet striking and will carry 4 passengers, is 22 metres high and is made up of 24 different segments which contain 480 individual panels that use 1200 square metres of fabric and weighs in at around 135kg.

Hardys spokesperson Simon Williams commented:

“Hardys is the UK’s largest wine brand and we have been involved in the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and the 100 Club for the last few years so winning title sponsor was really fantastic. We have a strong and growing work force based at Avonmouth and we know how the fiesta is a real calendar event for the whole team and the city. Our decision to have a balloon made was a quick one. We just really wanted to get totally involved in the fiesta and thought that this would just be the best way. We will be adding an extra touch into the balloon too, with our own wine being presented as the landing gift when it reaches its destination each time.”

More information about this year’s event can be found at http://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk or follow @BristolBalloon and https://www.facebook.com/bristolinternationalballoonfiesta. For more information about Hardys please visit www.hardyswine.com.