The Force is definitely strong with this Darth Vader hot air balloon
The Empire is striking back... in Bristol, England.
There's nothing to fear if you live there and notice a giant Darth Vader head floating overhead.
The Star Wars hot air balloon is part of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, the largest annual meeting of hot air balloons from around the world, running from Aug. 8-11.
But unlike the 130-plus hot air balloons that show up at the event, this particular Darth Vader hot air balloon, which was made in Bristol and has flown in cities around the world, never flew in its hometown until now.
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With the help of a crowdfunded campaign, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta was able to collect enough donations (over $6,300 as of this writing) to bring the Sith lord home from its global tour
The Darth Vader hot air balloon's flight over Bristol is especially significant for Star Wars fans because the city's also the birthplace of David Prowse, the actor who played the character in the original Star Wars trilogy. (Fun fact: James Earl Jones voiced Vader, but Prowse was the guy who suited up in the mask and cape.)
Even Mark Hamill approved of the Vader balloon:
After a horrible, no good, terrible week, there's nothing quite like a giant floating #DarthVader balloon to distract from reality & raise your spirits. #ThanksDad https://t.co/Js4J0Pb2WK
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 8, 2019
And if Luke Skywalker is cool with his dad's head looming large like the Death Star, y'all should be too.
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