Balloon festival founder praised as event returns

Don Cameron recently celebrated his 86th birthday with staff at his balloon factory

Friends and colleagues have been raising a glass to celebrate a man who helped establish the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, ahead of the event's return.

Cameron Balloons founder, Don Cameron, who recently turned 86, is credited with putting Bristol and ballooning on the world map and being one of the founders of the popular Fiesta, which begins today and runs until Sunday.

He and some friends built western Europe's first modern hot air balloon back in 1967 from his basement flat in the city.

The hobby quickly became a thriving business which moved into a disused church hall before expanding into its current flagship Bedminster factory.

Don Cameron shares his birthday cake with son Dave and factory colleagues

At a gathering to celebrate his birthday, Mr Cameron said: "Birthdays when you get to my stage are not good news at all. But it's better than the alternative!"

He reminded staff of the balloon that started it all, the Bristol Belle, which was the first balloon that he made in the mid-60s.

"Quite a while back now. Let's hope we can go on for another half-century," Mr Cameron added.

He also took the opportunity to inspect the old balloon which is now a little timeworn, but still brings back a lot of memories.

Mr Cameron inspects the first balloon he ever built, the Bristol Belle

Cameron Balloons has faced challenges over the years said Mr Cameron's son Dave, who is the technical director of the business.

He said: "There are some economic headwinds. Brexit was quite difficult for anyone that exports, business doesn't need big change like that.

"And obviously some of the economic changes the government has brought in which puts a stress on.

"But we're doing ok. We want to look after everyone that's here."

Dave Cameron said the business had faced challenges over the years

Some Cameron Balloons staff members have worked for the company for decades.

Julia Dalby from the sales team said: "Being involved in ballooning is being part of a large extended family.

"It's just been a marvellous experience; a privilege to be part of that community."

Sales director, Nick Purvis, added: "I started in 1978 in Cotham.

"The whole business has grown, evolved, matured and to see our balloons now in these far flung places doing extraordinary things is one of the great joys."

Julia Dalby and Nick Purvis have worked at Cameron Balloons for decades

Younger team members are also rising through the ranks. Paul Waldby and Fleur Pryce are in training to become balloon pilots.

Ms Pryce said: "This business has made an impact on a lot of Bristolians. I feel like it's been a big part of the history here.

"It's really inspiring, it's nice to be a part of it."

Mr Waldby, who is from Australia, said: "All I knew about the place is that there were balloons here, it's really quite iconic."

In 1978, Don Cameron was asked to give a talk about his ballooning exploits, and the idea of a balloon fiesta was born in the pub afterwards.

Now, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta attracts hundreds of thousands of people and is the largest hot air balloon festival in Europe.

Fleur Pryce and Paul Waldby are training to become balloon pilots