Collection item - British Balloon Museum & Library

Video of Cardington balloon inflations

Sub-category:

Catalogue number: F3/0002

A colour picture of several hot air balloons being inflated inside an airship hangar

A picture of a china mug bearing words describing a balloon event

Details

Description:	Video of record-breaking inflation of hot air balloons inside the Cardington Airship hangar. On 15th February 1997, the British Balloon Museum and Library (BBM&L) marked the 80th anniversary of the completion of Shed 1 with a spectacular winter balloon meet held inside the shed itself. One of the highlights was an ambitious attempt to set a record for the largest number of balloons ever inflated indoors. Overseen by the Mayor of Bedford and officially submitted to the Guinness Book of Records, the event saw: 93 man-carrying balloons inflated at the same time 172 total inflations throughout the day 2 balloons flown free without being inflated inside the shed In total, 176 balloons took part in the celebrations. The day was hailed as a huge success—an impressive logistical achievement for the BBM&L and a unique spectacle for all who attended. It was a fitting and memorable way to celebrate 80 years of No. 1 Shed, originally constructed between August 1916 and April 1917. This video can be viewed on the BBM&L YouTube channel
Date:	15 February 1997

Description:

Video of record-breaking inflation of hot air balloons inside the Cardington Airship hangar.

On 15th February 1997, the British Balloon Museum and Library (BBM&L) marked the 80th anniversary of the completion of Shed 1 with a spectacular winter balloon meet held inside the shed itself.

One of the highlights was an ambitious attempt to set a record for the largest number of balloons ever inflated indoors. Overseen by the Mayor of Bedford and officially submitted to the Guinness Book of Records, the event saw:

93 man-carrying balloons inflated at the same time
172 total inflations throughout the day
2 balloons flown free without being inflated inside the shed

In total, 176 balloons took part in the celebrations.

The day was hailed as a huge success—an impressive logistical achievement for the BBM&L and a unique spectacle for all who attended. It was a fitting and memorable way to celebrate 80 years of No. 1 Shed, originally constructed between August 1916 and April 1917.

This video can be viewed on the BBM&L YouTube channel

Date:

15 February 1997