Brick Balloon Festival

Bristol is well known for its landmarks and attractions including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Brunel’s SS Great Britain and many more. There are also some amazing events hosted in Bristol so that is why the 2024 GertLUG collaborative build is a miniature version of the Bristol Balloon Festival built entirely out of LEGO bricks.

Builders will have the opportunity to build hot air balloons in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours to showcase one of Bristol’s most popular attractions in miniature. The balloons could be inflated or deflated, taking off or landing, flying across the field or around a Bristol landmark. To help recreate the Bristol Balloon Fiesta atmosphere, there is also the option of building other aspects of the festival such as music stages, food stalls, carnival games and rides.

As well as the opportunity to build an iconic Bristol scene, this project gives people a chance to try building a variety of rounded shapes from traditionally square pieces, which many people find a challenge. Instructions for a couple of balloon designs will be made available to GertLUG members to use as inspiration and provide a starting point for any member who wishes to get involved. Login to access the Brick Balloon Festival Collab Instructions by clicking here.

The focus of the display will be the balloon landing and take-off area with base sections providing a secure mounting for the balloons. Other smaller areas of the overall display, if space is available, can depict some of the festival aspects of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, including a carnival area and music stages.

Throughout the building process, we plan to provide participants with ideas and inspiration and encourage ongoing discussion between contributors as the build evolves.

Links to Supporting Documents

GertLUG Brick Balloon Festival Collaborative Build 2024 Briefing Document - This pdf file contains all the basic information required to take part in this collaborative build.