A London Balloon Trip With Sky Orchestra

M@
By M@ Last edited 152 months ago
A London Balloon Trip With Sky Orchestra
And we have lift-off. A quick ascent in windy conditions leaves our co-balloonists behind.
And we have lift-off. A quick ascent in windy conditions leaves our co-balloonists behind.
Looking back towards Welling and Bexleyheath.
Looking back towards Welling and Bexleyheath.
Peering over the edge. The basket only came up to waist height, but the experience was never scary.
Peering over the edge. The basket only came up to waist height, but the experience was never scary.
Up in the canopy.
Up in the canopy.
Looking down on Willersley Park. Lots of people waved up at us from the streets below.
Looking down on Willersley Park. Lots of people waved up at us from the streets below.
Another balloon, out over Sidcup.
Another balloon, out over Sidcup.
The far off city, with the Shard to the left, City at centre and Canary Wharf to the right. Shooters Hill looms to the extreme right.
The far off city, with the Shard to the left, City at centre and Canary Wharf to the right. Shooters Hill looms to the extreme right.
Pick a field, any field. There's no designated landing spot, so we just pick the best looking spot. We ended up in the one on the right shoulder of the triangle ahead.
Pick a field, any field. There's no designated landing spot, so we just pick the best looking spot. We ended up in the one on the right shoulder of the triangle ahead.
A quick deflation upon landing.
A quick deflation upon landing.
We interrupted a local football game. Say hello to the Old Elthamians.
We interrupted a local football game. Say hello to the Old Elthamians.
M@ in a basket.
M@ in a basket.
The entire balloon packs away into this small trailer.
The entire balloon packs away into this small trailer.

Yesterday evening, after two previous attempts, we ascended into the skies of London by hot air balloon.

The trip was part of Sky Orchestra, a fleet of seven balloons floating over the capital at dawn and dusk, playing serene music to the unsuspecting residents below.

We ascended from Danson Park in Bexleyheath, flying over Sidcup before coming to rest in the Old Elthamians training ground near Chislehurst (hi guys – sorry we interrupted your game). This video gives a flavour of the view from the basket:

The project is part of the London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT) and is sanctioned by the Mayor. It is curated by artist Luke Jerram, with music by Dan Jones. The balloons only managed two ascents during the project, but no doubt provided an unforgettable experience for every Londoner who witnessed them.

Our three-mile route is shown below. It's amusing to see that the halfway point is, coincidentally, over a road called Halfway Street.


View Sky Orchestra Balloon Trip in a larger map

Ian Mansfield of Ian Visits was in another balloon. His write-up can be found here.

Last Updated 27 July 2011