The University of Nottingham balloon has just celebrated its 3rd anniversary by returning to Switzerland and the event which saw its launch back in 2008.

Snow-clad mountains and blue skies provided a stunning backdrop for the 33rd Festival of Balloons at Chateau d’Oex.  This annual competition is the leading Alpine ballooning event.

Because of its dramatic location and unique micro-climate, Chateau d’Oex, in the Swiss Alps, has become an international centre for hot-air ballooning.

Piloted by University of Nottingham engineer and record-breaking balloonist Dr Janet Folkes, the Nottingham balloon was one of 80 other balloons at the event.

Dr Folkes said: “Chateau D’Oex is an amazing place to fly with spectacular views and fantastic people. It’s been a privilege to have the opportunity to fly the balloon in such a location. It is recently back from the 10th anniversary celebrations in Malaysia where over 80 people managed to go up in a tether in the balloon – a unique experience and one that they will never forget.

“Flights of the balloon in the UK have seen it over the skies of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, as well as appearances elsewhere such as Gloucestershire and on a community day at the University where local children could test their piloting skills by trying out the burner.”

As well as helping to promote the University as an innovative and global university at events across the world, the balloon will also be used for research projects for academics and students.

Photographer Jean Pierre Girard, who lives in Annonay, said: “I don’t use any sophisticated equipment, just a good lens!

“My best friend is the most famous pilot in the world, Olivier Roux Devillas. I am lucky to travel very often with him for the diverse meetings of hot-air balloons around the world.”