Bristol Balloon Fiesta rises as it closes gap on financial challenges

Organisers of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta have announced the strides they’ve made to strengthen the event’s financial stability.

There was increased pressure this year on monetary success, and to instil pride into this mainstay in Bristol’s cultural portfolio. Since the pandemic, the event has been operating at a loss, and following the 2023 event, the annual deficit stood at £100,000.  

Thanks to the support from local businesses, organisations, visitors and the wider public, this year the team have managed to reduce the annual trading deficit to £15,000.

While work remains to make up for financial losses over the last few years, this year’s progress gives organisers renewed optimism for the event’s future and longevity as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2028.

A combination of poor weather, the pandemic, rising cost of living, inflation and challenges in the supply chain put the event’s future in jeopardy. Despite the considerable challenges, organisers remained committed to the Fiesta’s founding constitution. To offer a free event for the city, that celebrates Bristol, supports the region’s economy, and brings the magic of hot air ballooning to everyone.

That commitment was made even more prevalent after an economic impact assessment revealed the Fiesta directly injects £14.7 million into the economy during the event week, making it the city’s most valuable annual outdoor event.

Image: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, credit Paul Box 

To make the Fiesta more financially stable, organisers shifted the event format, changing it from four to three days to reduce operational costs, and focussed on increasing revenue through sponsorship, commercial partnerships and hospitality packages. As part of a new future proofing strategy, there was also focus on revitalising the Fiesta by increasing opportunities for visitors to experience the remarkable world of hot air ballooning and to celebrate Bristol and the wider region. [See notes to editors for full list of new features].

Ben Hardy, executive director, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, commented: “Bristol is the home of ballooning in Europe and an important capital for the sport worldwide. For balloon enthusiasts from around the globe, the fiesta is a celebration of the activity, yet for the local community and the history of the city, the fiesta is a cultural festivity that is synonymous with Bristol. We have a social and economic responsibility to protect this event for generations to come, and certainly guide it up to the 50th anniversary in 2028.

“The support we’ve received this year has been exceptional, and the progress we’ve made underlines our commitment to strengthen the events overall financial health. While there’s still work to be done to address the full financial picture, we must take a minute to give our gratitude for the great show of support we’ve received from the city. So, to everyone who’s helped us get this far - whether through sponsorship, partnership, in kind support, advertising, ticket purchases or donations – thank you every one of you.

Image: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

The Fiesta would not have been possible had it not been for the public’s support in purchasing official car parking and hospitality tickets, and making direct donations and the business community for rallying together to ensure the Fiesta continued.

Thanks is due to 2024 sponsors Thatchers, Butcombe, The Eco Scheme, Airbus,  Bristol Junior Chamber, Village Hotels, Boe Gin, GWR, Epic, Bailey Caravans, The Ivy, Changsha, The James Dyson Foundation, Bristol City Centre BID, Cameron Balloons, The Motorhome Holiday Company, Whats On Bristol, BIMM University, AMBITIOUS, Triangle Networks, Make It China, Leonardo Hotels, Radisson Hotels, Moxy Hotels, Clayton Hotels, Marriott Bristol Royal, Delta Hotels, The Bristol Hotel and Stagecoach.

2024 marked the first year in the organisation’s strategic five-year plan, concluding in 2028 with the fiesta’s 50th anniversary. Plans are now well underway for 2025, and businesses and organisations looking to climb onboard to be part of the journey are now invited to register their interest.

As part of the plans in the lead up to the event’s 50th anniversary, the Fiesta is committed to continue to revitalise this cherished institution and invites businesses, partners and brands to get in touch to further develop the programme. Interested parties have the chance to join the fabric of the event, to protect its future and the significant impact it has on the region’s visitor economy and international profile.

The 2025 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will take place from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August, maintaining the new three-day format. Tickets for next year’s event will be released imminently, for the latest news and updates follow the Fiesta’s social media channels follow @bristolballoon on Instagram, X and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook.

For more information visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk.