The Christ Church Virtual Balloon Race is returning – but this year, there’s an exciting new twist!
We’ve been running virtual balloon races for the past couple of years, and they’ve always been fantastic fun. This year, however, we’re embarking on a brand-new adventure with balloonlaunch.co.uk, an innovative virtual balloon racing platform built from scratch right here in our own community by Christ Church congregation member Dave Towler.
Following conversations about how we could make our balloon race even more interactive and realistic, Dave set about creating a completely new system using real-world atmospheric and wind data.
Once the race begins, your digital balloon will be released into the virtual skies and carried by real weather conditions. It could travel hundreds of miles, cross the sea, change direction or even find itself going nowhere fast if the weather isn’t on its side!
It brings back some of the excitement and unpredictability of traditional balloon releases – but in a completely eco-friendly way, with no balloons, plastic or litter released into the environment.
We’re the first to take flight!
We’re particularly excited because the Christ Church race will be the very first race to take place using this brand-new platform.
As well as raising vital funds towards the upkeep and work of Christ Church, we’re delighted to be supporting an innovative local venture created by someone within our own church community.
Dave Towler, creator of Balloon Launch, said:
“The idea came from conversations at Christ Church about how we could make our virtual balloon races more interactive and exciting. I wanted to create something where the balloons actually respond to real weather and wind conditions, so every race is different and nobody really knows where their balloon might end up. It’s fantastic that Christ Church will be the first race on the new platform, and I’m really looking forward to seeing where everyone’s balloons travel!”
As this is the first live race, we’d also love participants to help Dave test the experience. Let us know what you think about buying your balloon, creating your design and, of course, following it once the race gets underway. Your feedback will be incredibly useful as the platform continues to develop.
Could your balloon be the winner?
There’s a £30 prize for the balloon that travels the furthest, as well as plenty of bragging rights for the most imaginative balloon designs!
Each balloon costs just £4, and there are several ways to join in.
Design your balloon online
Visit balloonlaunch.co.uk/race/ccsb2026, where you can customise your balloon with different colours and fun accessories – you can even upload your own photographs to create something completely unique.
Create your own design by hand
Prefer pens, pencils and paints? Pick up one of our paper balloon templates from the back of church and create your masterpiece at home. Your finished artwork can be scanned and uploaded through the website, or simply bring it back to church and we’ll help make sure your creation takes its place on the live race map.
Enter in church
You can also pop over to the sound desk after the Sunday service, where you can purchase your balloon with cash or get some help registering and designing your entry.
Where will yours end up?
That’s the exciting bit – nobody knows!
Will your balloon catch the perfect winds and soar towards the Norwegian fjords? Will it head across Europe? Or will it find itself caught in a particularly stubborn weather pattern somewhere over Leeds Bradford Airport?
There’s only one way to find out.
Balloons cost £4 each and must be purchased before Sunday 27th September.
Get designing, get racing and get ready to follow your balloon on its journey across the virtual skies!
Which Christ Church balloon will travel the furthest?
