It’s arguably the biggest date in the Bristol calendar and easily the biggest balloon event in the UK. But bigger changes are happening at this year’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. The four-day-long festival has been cut down to three days because of rising costs in 2024 – but you should still expect to see a jam-packed weekend of iconic Night Glow events and 100 hot air balloon mass ascents.
“Run mainly by volunteers as a not-for-profit, the event has faced some financial challenges in recent years, but we’re making changes that will help the event soar to new heights and protect its future,” said a spokesperson, also adding: “The Bristol Balloon Fiesta will soar to new heights this summer with a revitalised vision to enable visitors to experience the magic of ballooning beyond scheduled ascents and Night Glows.”
Started by a group of friends in 1979, the first Bristol International Balloon Fiesta saw 27 different hot air balloons launch from Ashton Court. It has gone on to turn Bristol into the ballooning capital of Europe and the huge free-to-attend festival it is today. Even with these changes, the 46th edition is bound to be the biggest Bristol event of the year.
Returning to Ashton Court from August 9 to 11, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta will still offer much of the excitement you’ve come to expect from the free festival. This includes inflation races, model balloons, motorbike stunts, samba bands and the children’s entertainment stage, Brizzle Kicks. Plus, in the build-up, Fiesta Week (August 5 – 8) will see smaller fleets of hot air balloons popping up all over with its citywide ballooning celebrations of community launches.
During the day, a whole programme of entertainment, traders, exhibitors, caterers, and activities allows you to experience the magic of ballooning whether the weather allows for balloon take-off or not. If the sun is shining on us over that weekend, you can also book your very own balloon flight out of the site – to purchase a flight in a hot air balloon please contact one of the Passenger Ride Operators here.
This year is also special because the National Hot Air Balloon Championships arrive in Bristol for the first time too. Running from August 6-11, approximately 15 teams of balloonists take flight over Ashton Court and compete in a series of challenges – doughnuts in the air, balloons flying low into the site, and making quick 180-degree turns. Unlike the big balloons we’re used to over Bristol, competition balloons are smaller, slimmer and more agile – far better for performing tricks.
How do I get to the Fiesta?
If you’re travelling to the Fiesta by car you must pre-purchase a car park ticket. On your way to Ashton Court, situated to the south-west of Bristol city centre, you may encounter various road closures around the Estate – so please follow the traffic signs. Clifton Suspension Bridge will be closed to all vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists from 6pm until midnight on Friday and Saturday. To get your car park tickets head here.
As always, shuttle bus links will connect Bristol Temple Meads and the City Centre to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta (the recommended way whether coming from within or out of the city). The Long Ashton Park and Ride point will be operating as a drop-off point for taxis during the fiesta too. Meanwhile, those willing to cycle or walk should take the ‘Festival Way’ – a traffic-free path connecting the city to Ashton Court Estate and beyond.
What’s happening at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2024?
Friday, August 9
Scheduled Mass Ascent in Partnership with the Eco Scheme (weather permitting), 6am
British National Hot Air Balloon Championships, 7am
Model Balloons, 8am
Historic Balloons, 9am
Thatchers Big Apple Race, 11:15 am
Brizzle Kicks (children’s entertainment stage) opens, 12pm
Solent Stars Youth Motorbike Stunt Team, 12pm
Moon Stage opens, 12pm
Historic Balloons, 1pm
Bristol Bears, 2pm
Inflation Race, 3pm
Meet the Pilot, 4pm
Model Planes, 4:45pm
Solent Stars Youth Motorbike Stunt Team, 5:30pm
Scheduled Mass Ascent in Partnership with the Eco Scheme (weather permitting), 6pm
Samba Band, 7pm
Model Balloons Glow, 8pm
Nightglow in Partnership with Airbus, 9pm
Saturday, August 10
Scheduled Mass Ascent in Partnership with the Eco Scheme (weather permitting), 6am
British National Hot Air Balloon Championships, 7am
Model Balloons, 8am
Historic Balloons, 9am
Thatchers Big Apple Race, 10am
Police Dog Display, 11am
Brizzle Kicks (children’s entertainment stage) opens, 12pm
Solent Stars Youth Motorbike Stunt Team, 12pm
Moon Stage opens, 12pm
Historic Balloons, 1pm
Meet the Pilot, 2pm
Inflation Race, 3pm
Model Planes, 3:30pm
Solent Stars Youth Motorbike Stunt Team, 4:15pm
Model Planes, 5pm
Scheduled Mass Ascent in Partnership with the Eco Scheme (weather permitting), 6pm
Samba Band, 7pm
Model Balloons Glow, 8pm
Nightglow in Partnership with Airbus, 9pm
Sunday, August 11
Scheduled Mass Ascent in Partnership with the Eco Scheme (weather permitting), 6am
British National Hot Air Balloon Championships, 7am
Model Balloons, 8am
Historic Balloons, 9am
Thatchers Big Apple Race, 10am
Police Dog Display, 11am
Brizzle Kicks (children’s entertainment stage) opens, 12pm
Solent Stars Youth Motorbike Stunt Team, 12pm
Moon Stage opens, 12pm
Historic Balloons, 1pm
Meet the Pilot, 2pm
Inflation Race, 3pm
Model Planes, 3:30pm
Solent Stars Youth Motorbike Stunt Team, 4:15pm
Model Planes, 5pm
Scheduled Mass Ascent in Partnership with the Eco Scheme (weather permitting), 6pm
To learn more about the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta here.