Bristol icons - the Brunel Bridge and the annual Balloon Fiesta. Photo Gary Newman.
Visit Bristol this week for some awe-inspiring aerial sights.
Balloons will soar en-masse into the sky every night and morning during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place from 11th – 14th August.
The Balloon Fiesta gets under way properly at 12 noon on Thursday.
The curtain raiser began today in Bristol’s historical College Green.
Flanked by the Cathedral and Council House, a group of hot air balloons took off from the heart of the city centre.
They left a cluster of vintage balloons - lent by the British Balloon Museum – tethered on Bristol Green for all to admire until the end of the Fiesta.
These illustrate how ballooning has evolved over the decades.
Into the Blue. Photographed by Gary Newman.
It was in 1971, that the Fiesta’s founder, Don Cameron, set up Cameron Balloons in Bristol. They are now the world’s largest balloon manufacturer.
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Cameron Balloons will construct a passenger-carrying balloon on site – over four days of the Fiesta – so that visitors have a chance to see a hot air balloon being made.
Make sure you’re close enough to see the famous Night Glows, when balloons tether in the main arena and light up – in sequence to music – like giant light bulbs.
Spectacular firework displays will follow each of the Night Glows on Thursday and Saturday.
On Thursday night, the Bristol Marriott City Centre ‘Night Glow‘ will have a movies theme and on Saturday night: the Goodridge Night Glow will celebrate four decades of balloon manufacturing.
Sunday will see heads turn to the sky again as the hugely popular Red Arrows give exciting aerial displays, in association with Spire Bristol Hospital.
During the Fiesta, there will be arena and air displays, over 250 trade stands, local and international food stalls, a funfair and variety of other entertainment to make sure everyone has fun.
Collett Transport Services sponsor the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Transport
Two dedicated bus services will operate during the Fiesta weekend. These will link up central Bristol, Clifton and Bristol Temple Meads with the Fiesta site.
Timetables
Click here for a Balloon Fiesta timetable.
International Balloon Fiesta, Bristol
Balloon Flights
Visitors can enjoy balloon flights during the event. Local balloon company, Bailey Balloons, is offering flight discounts for £160 per person (normal price, £180).
Email: office@baileyballoons.co.uk for details and other offers.
Accommodation
To book a hotel, click here.
Visitor Information
Ring 0906 711 2191 (calls charged at 50 pence pm) or email ticharbourside@destinationbristol.co.uk
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