A hot air balloon was inflated inside Liverpool Cathedral last night (15 November) to celebrate a £384,000 donation being made.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Hamish Ogston CBE contributed the money to complete the refurbishment of the landmark’s prized Grand Organ – the UK’s largest pipe organ.

Hamish’s hot air balloon was 74 ft high and 62ft wide when fully inflated in the cathedral’s Main Space, and was lifted 49ft into the air during the special thanksgiving service.

Experienced hot air balloonist Robin Batchelor, who taught Richard Branson how to fly a balloon, was the pilot during the event, which also featured specially commissioned music including a trumpet fanfare written by BAFTA and Emmy award-winning composer George Fenton.

George has written scores for films and also hit BBC series including ‘Blue Planet’ and ‘Planet Earth’.

Meanwhile an anthem written by Richard Shepherd, the former director of development and chamberlain of York Minster, was also commissioned to herald the lift of the balloon.

A spokesperson for Liverpool Cathedral says: “Liverpool Cathedral has a well-established reputation for being interested in bold ideas that help it to reimagine how its space can be used, for both community events and for worship. The inflation and flight of the hot air balloon is very much in keeping with the Cathedral’s innovative and ambitious ethos.

“The restoration (and service) presents a wonderful opportunity to save an important 1920s instrument and to celebrate the history, music and culture of Liverpool.”

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