Novia Financial, the Bath-based wealth management firm, and Visit Bath have officially launched their new balloon in the city ahead of its first public appearance at next week’s Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
Partner Bath Balloons staged a series of short, tethered ascents for guests at the launch against the iconic backdrop of the Royal Crescent.
As reported by Bath Business News earlier this week, the balloon will be used to promote Bath at a series of events in the remainder of the 2017 flying season and up until 2020. Promotional flights will also be staged over Bath.
It will appear throughout the four-day Bristol Balloon Fiesta – the largest event of its kind in Europe and second largest in the world – which starts on Thursday with its famous nightglow.
Among the VIP guests at the launch were Bath MP Wera Hobhouse, Bath & North East Somerset Council leader Tim Warren, Novia chief executive Bill Vasilieff and David James, chief executive of Visit Bath.
Mr James told the guests: “Having a balloon like this to promote Bath is something we’ve been speaking about for a long time.
“So it’s great to see it here at its official launch. It’s a great way to promote the city and really projects our image.
“We’re also delighted that Novia is partnering with us on this. I think we’re going to be seeing a lot of this balloon for many years to come.”
Mr Vasilieff added: “We’re delighted to partner with Visit Bath on this exciting project. Bath is a beautiful city and the balloon will give many people the chance to see if from the air as well as it promoting the city far and wide.”
