Bristol offers high flying major events and family activities this summer

15/06/2010

Categories: Official press releases

Bristol tourism officials invite guests to visit the city for summer events such as the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Pride Bristol, the Bristol Harbour Festival and the 40^th anniversary celebrations of Brunel’s ss Great Britain, among others. Favourite and new Bristol major events this summer and beyond include:

• 
  Brunel’s ss Great Britain 40th Anniversary Celebrations 
  (17 Jul -19 Jul 2010)
  Brunel's ss Great Britain celebrates the 40th anniversary of the epic salvage of the ss Great Britain from the Falkland Islands and return to Bristol in 1970. Celebrations start with a new exhibition from July 17 (to 2011), ‘The Incredible Journey’. Listen to the memories of those who rescued the ship from the Falkland Islands and witnessed her return, and view the stunning new animated film. Families become ‘salvage heroes’ and discover the story behind the world’s most ambitious ship rescue. And on July 17 and 18 there are the 1970 home-coming celebrations and more. www.ssgreatbritain.org 

• Bristol Harbour Festival (30 Jul - 1 Aug 2010)
• Now in its 39th year, Bristol's liveliest and largest Harbourside event features a wide range of entertainment, including entertainment across eight stages with an eclectic range of music. The Bristol Harbour Festival also includes a dedicated children's festival, youth area featuring BBC Blast, circus and dance stages, all taking place before a backdrop of hundreds of colourful vessels in the floating harbour throughout the weekend. The Harbour Festival closes with a stunning fireworks display creating an exciting festival atmosphere in the heart of Bristol. www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk 

• 
  Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (12 Aug - 15 Aug 2010) 
  The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is now in its 32^nd year and has become Europe's biggest Hot Air Balloon event, and one of the UK's top five outdoor events, attracting 500,000 visitors during the show's four days - and its absolutely FREE to attend. With mass balloon ascents at 6.00am and 6.00pm, the famous nightglows on both Thursday and Saturday evenings, arena and air displays, over 250 trade stands and caterers, and a variety of other entertainments. 
  www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk 

• Pride Bristol (14 Aug – 22 Aug)
  Pride is a celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community; in our past, our present, our future. Pride Week Aug 14 – 22 offers an array of diverse cultural events, and culminates in Pride Day, a large free festival in Castle Park on Sat 21 Aug. On Sat 21 Aug 2010, Pride culminates in a large Pride Festival at Castle Park in the heart of Bristol city centre. The biggest Pride in Bristol to date, this free day festival will feature international music acts, theatre, DJs, high-end fashion and community -based performance. There’s something for everyone, all set against a backdrop of the castle ruins and river Avon. www.pridebristol.com 

• Bristol International Festival of Kites & Air Creations 
  (4 Sept - 5 Sept 2010)
  The Bristol International Festival of Kites & Air Creations will take place in Ashton Court Estate. The festival celebrates 25 years of flying high and is a part of the Year of Flight - marking 100 years of the Bristol Aeroplane Company. This will feature spectacular flying displays, kite fighting battles, breathtaking synchronised routines flown to music and awesome power kites as well as colourful ground-based inflatables and air sculptures of all shapes and sizes. International kite guests will be winging their way from as far as New Zealand, Tasmania, the Caribbean and USA. 
  www.kite-festival.org.uk 

• 2010 Coupe Gordon Bennett Balloon Race 
  (24 Sept - 29 Sept 2010)
  In September 2010, the prestigious Coupe Gordon Bennett will be hosted in Britain for the first time! The World’s Greatest Gas Balloon Race, was first staged in Paris in 1906 before a crowd of over 200,000 people. Up to 20 teams from around the world will compete in the Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race. Taking off at night from Ashton Court in Bristol, the team which flies the furthest distance from the start point wins the race. Spectators can view the race online and track their team favourites. www.gordonbennett2010.com 

For a complete list of Bristol events and activities, log on to www.VisitBristol.co.uk or contact Bristol’s tourist information centre on 0333 321 0101. A downloadable pdf of a selection of Bristol's summer festivals can be viewed here. Or click on the following links for detailed monthly events listings:

July Bristol Events Listing  -  August Bristol Events Listing  -  September Bristol Events Listing

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