A Nostalgic Balloon Display at Snake Meadows: Iconic Balloons from the 90s and 2000s from the Bristol Balloon Collectors.
If you thought hot air ballooning was just a summer activity, think again!
This past weekend’s ballooning activity with the Bristol Balloon Collectors was one for the books! The group inflated some true icons of ballooning history down at Snake Meadows, thrilling attendees with the nostalgia of seeing these vintage balloons up close. Balloon fans young and old gathered to witness these larger-than-life designs, and there was no shortage of excitement as each balloon took shape. Here’s a closer look at the unique inflations from the day.
Classic Icons: The Panasonic Battery and Financial Times Newspaper Balloons
Two of the standout inflations were the Panasonic Battery G-PSON from 1990 and the Financial Times Newspaper G-FFTT from 2000. These balloons are perfect representations of their time—each featuring the bold branding and innovative designs that set them apart when they first debuted.
• Panasonic Battery G-PSON (1990): This balloon is a true blast from the past! Shaped to resemble a giant Panasonic battery, this iconic design brought memories rushing back for anyone who remembers Panasonic’s distinct marketing. Seeing this balloon inflate again reminded the crowd of just how creative and striking branded balloons can be. 
• Financial Times Newspaper G-FFTT (2000): The towering Financial Times balloon, shaped like an oversized folded newspaper, gave a nostalgic nod to the early 2000s. This balloon, representing one of the UK’s most well-known newspapers, was an instant hit with fans who were awed by its attention to detail and unique structure. 
A Classic Shape with Darlows’ Cameron Z-90
Alongside these custom designs was another gem: Darlows, a Cameron Z-90 from 1999. Unlike the branded balloons, this model has a more traditional balloon shape but brings its own charm to the collection. Known for its smooth lines and classic appearance, the Cameron Z-90 is always a treat to see, and it offered a lovely contrast to the bold and branded inflations on display.
A Celebration of Ballooning’s History
For ballooning enthusiasts, this event was a rare chance to see some unforgettable pieces of ballooning history. It’s not every day you get to see these classic designs inflated, and the Bristol Balloon Collectors deserve kudos for preserving these iconic balloons and giving the community a chance to enjoy them once more.
The crowd at Snake Meadows was captivated, snapping photos and sharing memories sparked by these vintage balloons. With every inflation, there was a renewed appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity behind each unique design.
Looking Ahead
As always, the Bristol Balloon Collectors continue to preserve and celebrate ballooning history. We can’t wait to see what other historic inflations they’ll bring to future events! If you missed this one, be sure to keep an eye out—there’s nothing quite like seeing these icons of ballooning up close.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this fantastic afternoon at Snake Meadows. Until next time, here’s to more days spent marvelling at the beautiful, bold world of ballooning!
Photo Credit: MJ Ballooning