Seventy five hot air balloons, from across the UK and Europe, are currently on standby to fly across the English Channel to France from Lydden Hill Race Circuit in Kent. The aim is to raise funds for four major UK charities while entering the record books, and as soon as the Met Office gives the all-clear for take-off, balloons of all shapes and colours will soar above the English Channel, marking the largest ever group of balloons to attempt the crossing.

Waiting For Calm Winds To Launch Helium-Filled Dirigible

 Stephane Rousson, a 39-year-old French extreme sports enthusiast, awaits calm conditions to make his second attempt to cross the English Channel is his pedal-powered airship. Seeking to promote awareness of renewable energy and protection of the environment with his venture, Rousson hopes to depart from Hythe Beach in Kent, England for the coastal village of Wissant, France.

If successful, his flight will mark the first pedal-powered lighter-than-air crossing of the English Channel. BBC reports Rousson failed to make the historic journey last June,

Fornier's Attempt dashed by breakaway balloon!

Michel Fornier's 3rd attempt to break three skydiving records including that held by Col. Joe Kittinger, ended today in calamity as his giant helium balloon appeared to break away from its mooring while being inflated. The balloon sailed off into the sky but without Fornier and his capsule. What at first was thought to be an accident was later reported by the Canadian media as possibly a deliberate abort because of a technical malfunction.