Bristol International Balloon Fiesta celebrates the city
02/08/2011
Categories: Official press releases
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta sponsored by Collett Transport Services is a world-class hot air ballooning festival and is recognised as one of the UK’s top five outdoor events. Founded in 1978, it has become an icon of Bristol, as synonymous with the city as Brunel’s famous Suspension Bridge.
The hugely popular free event attracts half a million people from across the country and beyond. This year, staged from the 11 to 14th August, the Fiesta will celebrate 40 years of balloon manufacturing in the city.
In 1971, the Fiesta’s founder Don Cameron set up Cameron Balloons in Bristol which is now the world’s largest balloon manufacturer.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the company, Cameron Balloons will construct a passenger-carrying balloon, on site, in about four days to give visitors the chance to see how a hot air balloon is made for the first time in the event’s 33 year history.
To illustrate how ballooning has evolved there will also be a collection of old hot air balloons on display from across the decades, borrowed from the British Balloon Museum.
The curtain-raiser for the event, which signals the coming of the fiesta will take place on Monday 8 August in Bristol’s historic College Green. Flanked by the Cathedral and Council House, a group of hot air balloons will take off from the heart of the city centre, leaving a collection of older balloons tethered on the green.
A fantastic programme of entertainment
The main event promises a fantastic programme of entertainment for the whole family. The mass ascents provide an unforgettable spectacle as the balloons take to the skies each morning and evening from Friday to Sunday.
The famous Night Glows, when the balloons tether in the main arena and light up in sequence to music like giant light bulbs will take place before spectacular firework displays on Thursday and Saturday. The Bristol Marriott City Centre Thursday Night Glow will have a movies theme and the Goodridge Saturday Night Glow will celebrate the four decades of balloon manufacturing.
On Sunday the hugely popular Red Arrows will return to the Fiesta in association with Spire Bristol Hospital, making heads turn to the skies with their aerial displays.
Arena and air displays, over 250 trade stands, local and international food stalls, a funfair and variety of other entertainment complete the fun-packed festival.
Transportation:
- Transportation to the event is easy for visitors. Two dedicated bus services will operate during the Fiesta weekend, connecting central Bristol, Clifton and Bristol Temple Meads with the Fiesta site. Timetables can be downloaded from the Balloon Fiesta website at www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk.
- More transportation options >
Balloon Flights:
- Visitors can also enjoy a balloon flight during the event and local balloon company, Bailey Balloons is offering flight discounts for visitors from £160 per person (regularly £180). Email office@baileyballoons.co.uk for details and other offers.
- More balloon flight info >
Hotels and Visitor Info:
- Visitors can contact Bristol’s tourist information centre on 0906 711 2191 (calls charged at 50p per minute) or email ticharbourside@destinationbristol.co.uk.
- Book a Bristol hotel >
Visit the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta website >
Book Bristol hotels
Search Products
Itinerary builder
You can build your own shortlist of things to visit in Bristol by clicking the
button to add an item to your itinerary.
