Up, up and away: Tower Bridge is raised so giant hot air BALLOON can sail through

 

 

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 1:22 PM on 02nd October 2009

 

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Sleepy commuters rubbed their eyes in surprise early this morning as Tower Bridge was opened - for a hot air balloon.

More than 500 mini balloons were woven together to create the contraption which sailed through the famous bridge. It is the first time an inflatable has been piloted under the bridge in its 105-year history.

 

 

 

Up, up and away: A hot air balloon passes under Tower Bridge for the first time in its 105-year history

 

 

The mini balloons, stitched together with 18 miles of thread, made their way upstream from Wapping aided by a tug boat to keep them on course.

 

The event was staged to mark the launch of the latest offering from Disney-Pixar.

UP is a comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen who ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America.

The premiere will be on Sunday at the British Film Institute (BFI) on London's Southbank and the film will be in cinemas next Friday.

 

 

Sail away: A tug boat steered the balloon along the Thames

 

 

 

Patchwork: The mini balloons were stitched together with 18 miles of thread

 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1217630/Tower-Bridge-raised-hot-air-balloon-pass-time.html#ixzz0SmWRwUE7

wow :stunned: so cool