Three mass ascents, 175 balloon flights, 15 competition balloons and two awe-inspiring Nightglows, the 2024 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta graced Bristol’s skyline for a spectacular weekend showcasing Bristol’s ballooning heritage. From Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August, the rolling hills of Ashton Court hosted a temporary playground of entertainment, and a stage set ready and waiting for hot air balloons to take flight, when weather permitted.
And weather did permit. Three stunning mass ascents took place on Saturday morning, Saturday evening and Sunday morning to huge crowds of onlookers within the event grounds, and thousands of spectators across the city.
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On Friday and Saturday, tens of thousands of visitors stayed beyond nightfall to experience the event’s famous Nightglows. With the soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol, the event reached even greater audiences online as it was live streamed on iPlayer.
This year, the event also hosted the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships. The competition saw 15 balloon teams compete on Sunday morning, flying from Bath, completing point-scoring tasks in Hengrove, then flying as close as they could to the Fiesta to drop markers on a target in the centre of the arena, before flying off again to a third and final target.
This iconic event has been a steadfast in the UK’s event calendar for more than four decades. For 46 years it has stayed true to its constitution to be a free event for the people of Bristol but to protect its future it needs support.
Ben Hardy, executive director, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, commented: “This year has been truly spectacular, and has hopefully created memories that will last a lifetime for hundreds of thousands. Being able to bring almost 200 balloons to the skies of Bristol, and to bring the community together is exactly why the Fiesta was set up all those years ago in 1979.
“The last few years have been tough for the event, and as we approach our 50th anniversary we are asking once again for the support of those who love the Fiesta and want to see it continue. If you have enjoyed the event as a visitor, marvelled at one of the ascents from a local park or your back garden, we very kindly ask you to make a donation, however small and whatever possible, so we can continue to put this incredible event on for you and the city of Bristol.”
The 46th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has been kindly supported by Thatchers, Butcombe, The Eco Scheme, Airbus, Epic, Bailey, Bristol Junior Chamber, Village Hotel Club, Boe Gin, GWR, The Ivy, Changsha, Cameron Balloons, The Motorhome Holiday Company.com, What’s On Bristol, BIMM University, AMBITIOUS, Triangle, Delta Hotel, Marriott Bristol Royal, Clayton Hotel, Radisson Hotels, The Bristol, Leonardo Hotels, Moxy Hotels, Stagecoach, The James Dyson Foundation and Make It China.
Beyond balloons, the event programme spanned across acres of the countryside estate, offering entertainment, activities, food and drink, trade stands, and exhibitions.
Members of the Bristol Bears rugby team came along on Friday to provide coaching sessions for children and some meet-and-greet opportunities with players from both the men's and women's squads.
For those balloon enthusiasts, there have also been multiple opportunities to get up close with pilots and learn about their high-flying adventures, learning about what it takes to fly, getting into baskets, and testing out the burners.
The thousands of spectators were also able to cheer on teams during the always popular Inflation Races, where teams race to see who can unpack and inflate their balloons the fastest.
Model balloon displays were also on throughout the three days, showcasing the intricate miniature versions of Fiesta favourite designs, while memorable special shape balloons, including Rupert the Bear, Action Man, the Scottish Piper, Lloyds TSB, Michelin Man and the Roziere were also tethered for up-close viewing.
The burners weren’t the only thing on fire over the weekend, as the Solent Stars Youth Motorcycle Stunt Team wowed Fiesta-goers with their gravity defying tricks, culminating in a jump through a ring of fire.
For younger attendees, the Brizzle Kicks Stage, run by the energy-filled Party Peeps, provided non-stop daily children's entertainment. From games to performances, as well as their epic family-friendly Foam Parties, they were bringing all the energy and fun-fuelled madness to Ashton Court Estate.
Music lovers were looked after too, as the new BIMM Music Stage, featured performances by up-and-coming local artists from BIMM Institute Bristol. This stage offered a fantastic opportunity for punters to discover new local talent and enjoy live music right to the action of the launch field.
Another new addition to the Fiesta was the Skate Ramp, provided by Bristol-based, Canvas Skateparks. The perfect attraction for thrill-seekers and skateboarders alike, free skate jams were available during the evening mass ascents, and 'try it' sessions throughout the weekend allowed visitors of all skill levels to give skateboarding a go.
The charity partner for this year was the amazing, Love Squared. For ten years, the charity has been making a real difference in the city, transforming the lives of children and young people dealing with mental health challenges and SEND.
Fancy a flight yourself? Everyone who donates toward the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta before Monday 9th September will be entered into a prize draw to win a flight for two in one of the brilliant balloons you have seen this weekend. To make a donation and to be in with a chance of winning the flight, please visit: https://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/get-
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