Museum of Science and Industry

A hot air balloon will ascend over MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) next week as part of February half term ‘Dreams of Flight’ programme of events. The tethered balloon will be used in a re-enactment of the first balloon flight over Manchester, carried out in 1785 by James Sadler, from what is now known as Balloon Street. The event is part of a free programme of family activities during 14 – 22 February.

MOSI’s Gareth Redston has specially developed the costumed character of James Sadler, who will tell the story of Manchester’s first balloon flight to MOSI visitors, and will ascend in the hydrogen-filled balloon. Visitors will also be able to learn about humans’ dreams of flight, in a range of fun events, including a live demonstration of birds of prey, the chance to make and fly paper aeroplanes, helicopters and balloons, storytelling and free tours of MOSI’s Air and Space Hall. Free balloons will be given out to visitors during the week to commemorate James Sadler’s historic achievement.

In October 1784 Sadler became the first Englishman to ascend in a hydrogen balloon, and in March 1785 a crowd of 5000 people came to witness his flight over Manchester, which started in John Hawarth’s back garden in Long Millgate. The balloon was filled with hydrogen, produced by adding iron filings to a vat of sulphuric acid, and was airborne for around one hour and 45 minutes. It landed in a sandbed between Blacow Ridge and Radcliffe.

Gareth Redston, who plays James Sadler at MOSI said: “James Sadler was one of the first pioneers of flight, and he held several demonstrations of ballooning in Manchester, which must have been incredibly exciting back in 1785. Visitors to MOSI will be able to hear James Sadler’s amazing story and witness a real tethered balloon flight from the Museum during the two weekends of half term. There will also be lots of free family activities for everyone to get hands-on and learn about the early years of flight, while having a lot of fun in the process.”

James Sadler’s re-enactment and tethered balloon flights will be carried out on 14-15 and 21-22 February at MOSI. For more details of the full programme of activities please go to www.mosi.org.uk

Dreams of Flight events are FREE (except Funcopter & Planetarium) and link to celebrations throughout 2009 to mark 100 years since the first all-British flight by AV Roe in July 1909. More details on special events connected to his achievement will be released soon.

For more information or images please call Sarah Roe on 0161 606 0176 m: 07847 372647 or Diane Inglis on Tel: 0161 606 0173.

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