The Gatzweiler Beer Glass, which was built in 1987 and donated by Geoff Beckwith in 1997, will hopefully become airworthy again and join the parade.

The Maxwell House balloon

Two new balloons will also make their debut at this year's event. The British Gas Flame -- a stunning replica of the company's icon -- will be joined by The Woolwich -- a tear-drop shaped balloon emblazoned with colourful graphics. And keep an eye out for Charlie and Chester, the flying cats, hiding on one of the roofs!

Flying Pictures has been the major balloon operator at the Oxford Balloon Fiesta, and is the world's leading operator of commercial hot air balloons.

Tessa Tennant, managing director of Flying Pictures, said: "Being the first major event of the year, it's a great opportunity to launch two of four stunning new balloons to join the Flying Pictures fleet."

"We were grounded last year because of foot and mouth, so we are looking forward to being back in the sky.

The Velvet balloon

"We originally organised and created the balloon side of the fiesta and we have watched it grow into a very popular event."

The Velvet flying loo rolls will also take to the skies over Oxford, just a few days before taking part in a world record attempt, which will see 16 skydivers jump from one of the largest balloons in the country. The massive balloon may also make an appearance at Oxford as part of its test flying programme.

The world record breaking team, consisting of more than 25 people, goes on standby from Monday, May 13, awaiting the right conditions.

Velvet Toilet Tissue, whose hot air balloon is being used for the record attempt, is building a special softer than ever landing zone for the parachutists.

The zone, a circle covering more than 314 sq m, is made from more than 5000 rolls of softer than ever loo rolls. The zone can be seen from more than 10,000 ft.

"The most dangerous aspect of this record attempt is controlling the balloon after the skydivers leave," explains David Fish, balloon pilot and project co-ordinator. "As so much weight is being lost so quickly the balloon will climb skywards rapidly, and it will probably take a few minutes before it's possible to start the descent for landing."

Flying at this year's festival will be record breaking pilot Ian Ashpole, who was recently listed in the Guinness Book of Records for flying to 11,000 ft supported by 600 helium-filled toy balloons. Mr Fish will fly the AGFA balloon.

Mr Ashpole, who is one of the youngest commercial balloon pilots in the country, will fly the Velvet balloon for the record attempt.