The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will return this summer on Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August, building on the success of last year’s changes to help secure the future of this iconic event.
A cornerstone of Bristol’s calendar for nearly five decades, the Fiesta has faced challenges in recent years, from poor weather and rising costs to supply chain issues and the wider economic climate. However, the strategic changes introduced in 2024, including shifting to a three-day format, proved effective in reducing the event’s in-year deficit by approximately £80,000.
While the Fiesta continues to operate at a loss, the deficit is now significantly smaller, and organisers are optimistic that, with continued progress and support, the event could break even this year. This would then enable the event to start to build reserves to protect itself for unexpected challenging years in the future.
A major boost to the not-for-profit event has come from a new headline sponsorship deal, providing crucial financial support over the next three years. The partnership with leading South West accountancy firm, Albert Goodman will help ensure the Fiesta stays true to its founding constitution – to remain free for the city, celebrate Bristol, support the regional economy, and share the magic of hot air ballooning with all.
Ben Hardy, executive director, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, commented: “The last few years have been undeniably challenging, and bringing the Fiesta back in 2024 took real blood, sweat, and tears. But the incredible support from the public and business community has been truly reassuring.
“We’re hugely grateful to our returning sponsors, and our new headline partner, Albert Goodman for their contribution in helping to stabilise the event’s future. With their support, we’re excited to introduce new programmes, initiatives, and features that will not only enhance the visitor experience but also celebrate Bristol and its deep-rooted connection to the world of hot air ballooning.”
Albert Goodman is a leading South West-based accountancy firm, which has been helping businesses prosper for well over a century. The firm has numerous locations across the region, with offices in Taunton, Yeovil, Weston-Super-Mare and Weymouth and opened their Bristol office in 2023.
Robin Clempson, marketing director, Albert Goodman, added: “We’re delighted to have partnered with the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta for 2025 and beyond. Albert Goodman has been operating in communities throughout the South West for over 150 years, and as a proudly independent business, we feel real connection to the pioneering spirit embedded in the Fiesta.
“We’re excited to be supporting the region’s most iconic and loved event, and we look forward to what is shaping up to be an unforgettable Fiesta!”
The Fiesta’s focus on enhancing visitor experiences will continue. The much-loved Meet The Pilots initiative, which expanded in 2024, will return due to overwhelming popularity. A new highlight for 2025 will be ‘In The Clouds,’ an immersive attraction featuring a cold-inflated hot air balloon that visitors can step inside, complete with a soundscape replicating the experience of pilots in flight.
At the heart of the event, the central arena will continue to set the stage for over 100 hot air balloons to take flight if conditions allow, twice daily at dawn (approx. 6am) and dusk (approx. 6pm). After nightfall, the event’s iconic Nightglows will again take place on consecutive evenings on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 August as more than half a dozen hot air balloons tether and light-up in sequence to a soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol.
In 2024, organisers announced an extension of the event, with Fiesta Week. For 2025, this will take on a fresh approach and rather than concentrate balloon launches in one week of August, organisers are looking to introduce a Schools Tether Roadshow. The initiative will look to bring hot air balloons directly into communities and schools across the city, providing a unique educational experience that complements the curriculum while creating more opportunity for children across the city to engage with the wonder of ballooning.
With the Fiesta’s future is looking more secure, organisers are calling on the city to continue supporting ballooning’s halo event. Visitors can help by marking their calendars and purchasing car parking and hospitality tickets in advance. Partners and brands are also encouraged to get involved, shaping the entertainment programme and celebrating this unique and adventurous spectacle.
Businesses looking to align with Bristol’s most valuable outdoor event, generating £22.2 million for the local economy, can do so through sponsorship, ensuring the Fiesta continues to thrive and elevate the city’s international profile.
For more information visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
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