Back once again at Ashton Court, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta returns for 2023 from Thursday, August 10 to Sunday, August 13. Celebrating its 45th anniversary too, we expect it to be bigger, brighter and better than ever. So let’s see what the fiesta has planned for this sapphire celebration!
This iconic Bristol Balloon Fiesta is one of the most spectacular sights in the UK. And, as Europe’s largest annual balloon fiesta, will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to witness mass ascents and two much-loved nightglows. In fact, we predict all of Bristol will be out and about trying to catch a glimpse of colourful balloons flooding the city’s skies across the long-weekend.
The free-to-attend four-day event will see 100+ hot air balloons of all shapes, sizes and colours take to the skies at dusk and dawn. As well as the up-in-the-clouds entertainment, the fiesta will feature aerial displays, fairground rides, delicious food and drinks stalls, local music and a children’s entertainment stage, Brizzle Kicks.
“We’re celebrating another year of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and are delighted to be back at our home grounds of Ashton Court once again,” said Don Cameron, founder of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. “It’s a difficult time for a lot of people and it’s more important than ever to give the communities of Bristol a fantastic fiesta that’s free for everyone to attend. We’ve got all pilots crossing their fingers for blue skies and light winds as we set off to the skies.”
If you’re looking to achieve up-close-and-personal views of the mass ascents and more this year, Sky Lounge will make its VIP return for 2023. Sky Lounge ticket holders will have front-row seats for the mass ascents at both 6am and 6pm. Plus you’ll be situated just feet away from the two nightglows on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Guests will also have access to a private area, alongside private catering facilities.
To learn more head here.
What is happening at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta?
Thursday
ThursdayThursday starts with model balloon enthusiasts showcasing at the end of the arena (1pm to 3pm). Then see a variety of historical balloons tethered in the arena (from 2pm to 4pm) and get up close to hot air balloons still flying (3pm to 4pm). The army parachuting team will jump from planes and balloons (4pm to 5pm) before model planes complete miniature aviation stunts (5pm to 8pm).
Things heat up in the evening with the iconic mass ascent, with up to 100 balloonists taking off from the arena (6pm to 7pm). Followed by a scaled-down version of the famous glow by the model balloons and, finally, the full-scale night glow (9pm to 10pm) with balloons lighting up to a BBC Radio Bristol soundtrack.
Friday
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2023 starts early on Friday with a mass ascent (6am to 7am). You’ll also be able to see the historic balloons again all day (7am to 4pm), as well as model balloons (7am to 9am), model planes (12.30 to 1.30), meet ballon teams (3pm to 4pm) and see the parachuting team (4pm to 5pm). The inflation race, where ballooning teams race to inflate, is one not to miss (4.45pm to 6pm) before one another mass ascent (6pm to 7pm).
Saturday
Saturday at Bristol Balloon Fiesta follows a similar schedule to Friday, including mass ascents (6am to 7am / 6pm to 7pm) and the inflation race (6.45 to 8pm). But also includes a model balloons glow (8pm to 9pm) and night glow (9pm to 10pm).
Sunday
Sunday follows the exact same schedule as Friday, but note that timings for all the entertainment may change due to weather conditions, so please follow Bristol Balloon International Fiesta on social media for updates, such as Facebook or Instagram.
How do I get to Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2023?
You can drive to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which is in the southwest of Bristol at Ashton Court, with directions to the car park signposted as you come close. You must pre-purchase a car park ticket, however, and are single-entry only. All tickets are non-refundable even in cases where the balloons do not fly. To get you and learn more head here.
Aside from walking or cycling, we suggest the best way to get to the fiesta is by Stagecoach Shuttle Bus. The shuttle will depart Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Bus and Coach Station each day, with an adult ticket costing £5 and a Group Day Ticket (for up to five people) costing £15. Meaning you can make your way to Ashton Court Estate with ease again. You can purchase your shuttle bus tickets here.
Thursday 10 August 2023
Departures from Bristol Temple Meads – 1130 and at frequent intervals until 2100
Departures from Bristol Bus and Coach Station – 1140 and at frequent intervals until 2110
Departures from Balloon Fiesta – 1200 and at frequent intervals until 2330
Friday 11 August 2023
Departures from Bristol Temple Meads – 1000 and at frequent intervals until 1900
Departures from Bristol Bus and Coach Station – 1010 and at frequent intervals until 1910
Departures from Balloon Fiesta – 1030 and at frequent intervals until 2130
Saturday 12 August 2023
Departures from Bristol Temple Meads – 1000 and at frequent intervals until 2100
Departures from Bristol Bus and Coach Station – 1010 and at frequent intervals until 2110
Departures from Balloon Fiesta – 1200 and at frequent intervals until 2330
Sunday 13 August 2023
Departures from Bristol Temple Meads – 1000 and at frequent intervals until 1900
Departures from Bristol Bus and Coach Station – 1010 and at frequent intervals until 1910
Departures from Balloon Fiesta – 1030 and at frequent intervals until 2130