Vader Flies at Celebration Europe

Keep one eye on the sky at Star Wars Celebration Europe this July 13-15 in London for the stunning Darth Vader hot air balloon created by Belgian balloonist, Benoît Lambert.

Inflated right outside the ExCeL venue for Celebration Europe, the balloon will dominate the East London Skyline as it makes its maiden flight in UK airspace to herald Europe's largest Star Wars party.

A truly imposing sight, the balloon measures 26 meters (86 feet) high and 21 meters (69 feet) wide. It has a hot air volume of approx 3.000 m³ (106,000 cubic feet) and weighs around 320 kilos (705 lbs). The balloon will be inflated, weather permitting each day, tethered outside the ExCeL Center, and unmanned during it's appearances at Celebration Europe.

The balloon is actually returning to its birthplace, as it was constructed in secret by UK balloon manufacturer 'Cameron' under the code name 'Head One' before it made it's way to Lambert and his team in Belgium. Lambert had originally considered building a Death Star-shaped balloon until Nicholas Lelong of the Belgian Fanwars Garrison suggested a giant Vader head.

"For me, it was more of a joke and a fantasy, but Nicolas took it seriously and found the idea wonderful," Lambert says. "He then made contact with Lucasfilm in order to get their agreement."

Lucasfilm gave its approval for Lambert to have the balloon built, using one of the most recognizable characters in cinema, as long as the balloon was not used for commercial pursuits.

"We contacted Cameron, the world's largest manufacturer of hot air balloons, and a Darth Vader helmet replica was sent to their engineers to help them recreate every detail," Lambert recalls. "A vector file representing the Vader helmet in 3-D was also sent to the engineers and once the last visual draft was accepted the manufacturing could begin," Lambert continues. The balloon took eight weeks to complete from construction start to finish.

Lambert and his team will endeavor to raise the balloon on each of the three days of Celebration Europe, but this will depend totally on the weather conditions.

The Darth Vader Balloon will be just one of the unique sights at Star Wars Celebration Europe, and is a fitting symbol of the passion and enthusiasm that Star Wars fans share for the Saga.