Bristol’s iconic, free-to-attend event will return to Ashton Court Estate from Friday, August 9, to Sunday, August 11, celebrating the city and its heritage links to hot air ballooning.
At the heart of this unique event is a game of chance – will these feats of engineering take flight? This year, over 120 hot air balloons are registered to attend, and weather permitting, they will turn the compact central arena into a rainbow of colour.
The mass ascents, in partnership with The Eco Scheme, are scheduled at dawn (approximately 6 am) and just before dusk (approximately 6 pm) daily, if weather conditions allow.
On Friday, in partnership with Airbus, and Saturday, in partnership with The Eco Scheme, visitors can stay beyond nightfall to experience the event’s infamous Nightglows. After dark, dozens of hot air balloons inflate and use their burners to glow in time to music produced by BBC Radio Bristol, bringing the party atmosphere and bringing the crowd to their feet.
This year’s Fiesta also welcomes a nostalgic lineup of special shape hot air balloons, featuring beloved classics like Rupert the Bear, Thomas the Tank Engine, Action Man, Pipy the Scottish Piper, Buster and Bella the Bulldogs, Astro the Alien, and Wallace & Gromit’s Moon Rocket.
For 2024, the event will host the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships. Approximately 15 balloon teams will compete twice daily, aiming to complete one of the competition tasks directly over the Fiesta.
Away from the balloons, Ashton Court Estate will be bustling with activity. Members of the Bristol Bears rugby team will offer coaching sessions and meet-and-greet opportunities. Balloon enthusiasts can get up close with pilots and learn about their adventures.
Spectators can cheer on teams during the thrilling Inflation Races and model balloon displays will showcase intricate miniature versions of Fiesta favourite designs.
For those who enjoy competition, the Thatchers Big Apple Race will provide excitement as competitors push giant inflatable apples to a finish line. The Solent Stars Youth Motorcycle Stunt Team will wow Fiesta-goers with their tricks. The Avon and Somerset Police Dogs will also put on a display.
For younger attendees, the Brizzle Kicks Stage, run by Party Peeps, will provide daily children's entertainment, including games and performances.
Music lovers will enjoy the new BIMM Music Stage, featuring performances by up-and-coming local artists from BIMM Institute Bristol. The BBC Acoustic Stage will also offer performances throughout the weekend, as well as live music before each Nightglow courtesy of Bristol Samba.
A new addition this year is the Skate Ramp, provided by Bristol-based Canvas Skateparks. Free skate jams will be scheduled during the evening mass ascents, and 'try it' sessions throughout the weekend will allow visitors to give skateboarding a go.
This year, Love Squared has been announced as the official charity partner for the Fiesta. The charity has been transforming the lives of children and young people dealing with mental health challenges and SEND for ten years. Fiesta-goers are encouraged to visit their tent for fun kids’ activities and a classic teddy tombola – you might even win a hot air balloon ride!
Official cider and beer partners, Thatchers and Butcombe Brewery, will serve their beverages across the Fiesta site. Boe Gin will supply their distilled tipples to balloon teams to gift to landowners upon landing, while offering visitors tastings of their botanical gins.
The Fiesta is this year proud to support fledgling local independent traders through the Bristol Launching Bursary. Bake My Day, I Scream Taco, Bishopston Bagels, Soul Bowl, Gopal’s Curry Shack, Indian Summer, and Afista Barista will bring a unique taste of Bristol to the event. Ashton Court’s Courtyard Café will also be open during the Fiesta.
Cookie Cartoonery will also be in attendance selling personalized official Fiesta t-shirts and running cartoon drawing workshops.
Enhancing the day out
While the Fiesta is free to attend, visitors wanting to enhance their day can enjoy a selection of hospitality packages. The Sky Lounge, in partnership with Village Hotels, provides a VIP experience with dedicated Wi-Fi, private toilets, and a cash bar. The Sky Lounge GLOW, in partnership with The Ivy, offers exclusive access to the launch field during Nightglows.
For a unique dining experience, the Fiesta has partnered with Pasture, running a dedicated onsite restaurant on the arena's edge. Tickets and reservations can be purchased at https://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/visitor-information/hospitality.
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of ballooning, local culture, and community spirit. With its mix of aerial spectacles, family activities, music, sports, and interactive exhibits, there is something for everyone.
For more information and the full event program, visit https://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/whats-on/timetable-programme. Car parking must be booked in advance at https://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/car-park-tickets.
Stay up to date by following the Fiesta’s social media channels: @bristolballoon on Instagram and X, and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook.
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