National Hot Air Balloon Day – Thursday, June 5, 2025
05 June 2025
Thursday, June 5, 2025, marks National Hot Air Balloon Day—a celebration of one of humanity's most whimsical and awe-inspiring inventions. Whether you're a seasoned ballooning enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the idea of floating gently through the sky, this day offers a perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty and history of hot air balloons.
A Brief History of Hot Air Ballooning
Flying in a hot air balloon is one of the most adventurous ways to appreciate the science behind them, and view the world from a different perspective. Although the celebration of Hot Air Balloon Day dates back about a decade, the history of hot air balloons goes back to ancient Chinese culture and military tactics, where airborne lanterns were released as a cultural practice and military signal, respectively.
Two brothers, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, invented the hot air balloon in France and made their first flight in 1783. They publicly demonstrated the flight, which lasted for 10 minutes and included only animals on board. A few months later, Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier became the first human to take a hot air balloon ride. In the 1950s, Paul Edward Yost, an American who designed the modern-day hot air balloon, improved the way hot air balloons operate. His invention included the addition of a propane burner engine to the hot air balloon, which generates heat and pumps it through the mouth of the envelope (balloon). During the test, the flight lasted for an hour.
Key Milestones in Early Hot Air Ballooning:
- 1782: First small test flight with a paper bag in Avignon, France.
- June 1783: A 23,000-cubic-foot balloon lifted 500 pounds and reached 6,000 feet.
- September 1783: The first passengers— a sheep, a duck, and a rooster—ascended 1,500 feet in Versailles.
- November 21, 1783: The first manned flight over Paris with Pilâtre de Rozier and Marquis d'Arlandes.
Hot Air Balloon Festivals Across the UK
While there may not be major ballooning events on June 5 itself, the summer calendar is packed with vibrant festivals for fans and first-timers alike:
- Wrexham: June 6–8
- Nottingham: June 13–15
- Manchester: June 27–28
- Wiltshire: August 15–17
- Hull: September 6–7
- Chepstow: September 13–14
- Merseyside: September 20–21
- West Sussex: June 13–14
- Berkshire: June 20–22
- Wales: June 27–29
- Cornwall: July 4–6
- Somerset: July 11–12
- Hampshire: July 18–20
- Essex: July 25–27
- Oxfordshire: August 2–3
- Midlands: August 22–24
- Scotland: August 29–31
Lord Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta: Keep your eyes on the skies over London on July 20 and 27 (weather permitting), when dozens of balloons float over the iconic London landmarks at sunrise.
How to Celebrate National Hot Air Balloon Day
Even if you're not up in the sky, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion:
- Learn the History: National Hot Air Balloon Day, observed on Thursday the 5th, celebrates the oldest human-carrying flight technology: the hot air balloon. These aircraft consist of an envelope containing heated air, which provides lift by being less dense than the surrounding cooler air, and a gondola or basket for passengers and a propane burner heat source. This day recognises the remarkable history and significance of hot air balloons in aviation. From their early origins and evolution to the diverse modern designs, including custom shapes for advertising and events, hot air balloons hold a special place.
- Plan Your First (or Next) Flight: Celebrate National Hot Air Balloon Day this Thursday, the 5th! An unforgettable experience awaits with a hot air balloon ride, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or a special treat. Explore our wide selection of Hot Air Balloon Flying experiences available throughout the UK and take to the skies.
- Share the Joy: Post your balloon photos or bucket list dreams with the hashtag #HotAirBalloonDay.
Celebrate National Hot Air Balloon Day (Thursday, 5th) by watching a movie featuring hot air balloons. Consider these options:
- Around The World In 80 Days: Enjoy this classic Jules Verne novel from 1872 and its various movie adaptations spanning from 1956 to 2021.
- Disney Pixar's UP!: This heartwarming animated film is packed with balloons and exciting adventures.
Mini Hot Air Balloon Day FAQ:
What are the Origins of Champaign in Hot Air Ballooning?
The 18th-century French tradition of celebrating a flight with champagne began as a way for pilots to appease farmers, who often mistook the balloons for fiery sky monsters when they landed in their fields. Offering champagne helped ease tensions. This practice has evolved into a celebratory custom that continues after hot air balloon landings today.
Early hot air balloons were constructed from delicate materials like paper and fabric. The Montgolfier brothers, key figures in ballooning history, utilised a mix of sackcloth and paper, treated with alum for fire protection. Despite their fragile nature, these early designs successfully lifted animals and later, people, into the sky.
What Is The Smallest Hot Air Balloon?
The "Cloud Hopper," a significantly smaller, single-person hot air balloon invented in the 1970s, offers greater manoeuvrability than traditional models. This compact design makes it a unique and ideal choice for solo ballooning enthusiasts and adventurers.
What Is The Longest Hot Air Balloon Journey?In 2016, Fedor Konyukhov made history by completing a solo hot air balloon journey around the world. His 21,000-mile flight took just over 11 days. Despite encountering severe weather and mechanical difficulties, he successfully landed in Australia.
How Do Pilots Prepare For Unpredictable Weather?
Hot air balloon pilots depend on weather forecasts and test balloons to understand wind patterns. Nevertheless, swift decision-making is also crucial. Unforeseen weather shifts can necessitate earlier-than-anticipated landings.
A Day to Let Your Dreams Take Flight
National Hot Air Balloon Day invites everyone to appreciate the wonder of hot air balloons, whether by seeking the thrill of a Hot Air Balloon Ride, enjoying the view from the ground, or simply imagining the possibilities. This day serves as an opportunity to pause, look skyward, and allow your thoughts to take flight.
Happy National Hot Air Balloon Day 2025!
