Teenage Cancer Trust and Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) have been announced as the official charity partners of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta as the landmark event makes its highly anticipated return to Ashton Court Estate from 11 to 14 August 2022.
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only charity in the UK dedicated to meeting the unique and complex needs of teenagers and young adults fighting cancer, and GWAAC provides lifesaving emergency care to the 2.1 million people across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire and parts of Wiltshire.
Both charities will have a presence at this year’s Balloon Fiesta - with Teenage Cancer Trust collecting donations from the public at Thursday’s iconic Nightglow and GWAAC fundraising at the event’s Saturday Nightglow. Along with the charities’ individual collections, each will be hosting an array of activities across the Fiesta weekend.
Image: Teenage Cancer Trust volunteers.
At the dedicated Teenage Cancer Trust tent, guests can expect some classic community entertainment including a tombola, raffles and an array of children’s activities.
GWAAC will be offering a number of different activities across the weekend including CPR sessions for families, children’s story time and medical kit demonstrations. On Saturday there will be special tours of GWAAC’s helicopter and some UV festival face painting for the Night Glow! Fiesta-goers should make sure to swing by each charity to say hello to their amazing teams and volunteers and show them support.
Supporting GWAAC will ensure the team will be ready to respond whenever and wherever they’re needed. With each air ambulance mission costing around £2,000 to attend, the charity needs to raise over £4 million a year to remain operational - and relies on the support of its incredible community, volunteers and local support to keep it flying.
Image: Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.
Philippa Walker, Supporter Engagement Coordinator at GWAAC said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as a charity partner for the Balloon Fiesta this year, alongside Teenage Cancer Trust, and so appreciate the opportunity to have a presence on site across the weekend.
“To be able to speak with local people about their local air ambulance, raising awareness and crucial funds will make such a huge difference. We hope that everyone visiting has an amazing time.”
Tracy Burns, Senior Relationship Manager at Teenage Cancer Trust also commented: “We are incredibly proud that Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has chosen to partner with Teenage Cancer Trust. This support means so much to everyone here at the charity and the funds raised will be truly life-changing for so many young people with cancer. We can’t thank them enough.”
Everyday, seven young people ages 13-24 are diagnosed with cancer, affecting their relationships, exams, careers and life plans. Teenage Cancer Trust provides specialist services to young people affected across the UK, with two specialist facilities at Bristol’s Children’s Hospital and Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre.
The specialist nurses and support teams in the South West are committed to supporting young people with cancer from Bristol and the surrounding areas to ensure they get the necessary access to specialist age-appropriate care, from psychological, emotional, financial, practical, educational or social support.
With the inclusion of last year’s 2021 Fiesta Fortnight, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is now in its 43rd year and has grown into one of Europe’s largest annual hot air balloon festivals, attracting over half a million locals and visitors alike. This year’s edition will take place between Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 August - with a series of community launches taking place across the city in partnership with Costa Coffee.
Visitors will be welcomed back to the ground of Ashton Court Estate on Thursday at midday with hot air balloons tethering throughout the afternoon, followed by the first mass assent of the festival taking place at 6pm.
The much-loved Nightglows will please late night visitors on Thursday and Saturday as late night visitors can witness the hot air balloons appear as giant light bulbs, as the roaring burners light up in time to music.
As always, myriad family entertainment will take place over the weekend with a selection of Bristol’s finest street food vendors, live music, fun fair, and this year’s introduction of the new VIP area Sky Lounge.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their journey ahead of time and book their car parking in advance. Parking tickets can be purchased here.
To keep up to date with all Balloon Fiesta news and updates, head to the website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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