It’s arguably the biggest date in the Bristol calendar and easily the biggest balloon event in the UK. Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is back this August for a jam-packed weekend of iconic Night Glow events and 100 hot air balloon mass ascents—with some iconic hot-air balloons taking to the sky!
The three-day-long festival (August 8 to 10), which is free to attend, will include everything from inflation races and stunt displays to children’s entertainment and live music. A new attraction this year, check out In The Clouds, the immersive, cold-inflated hot air balloon that you can step inside—replicating the experience of flight.
Also new for 2025 are demonstrations from Avon and Somerset Police Dogs, a showcase from balloon manufacturer Cameron Balloons, and even outdoor yoga sessions. Elsewhere, Meet the Pilots returns with an even larger presence, giving you the chance to chat to balloon crews and learn more about their high-flying adventures.
The Fiesta’s arena programme will offer adrenaline-fuelled excitement with a display from the Rockets Children’s Motorcycle Display Team, whose daring stunts and expert riding are sure to thrill the crowds. The full schedule also features model aircraft demonstrations, historic balloon displays and model hot air balloon parades.
Meanwhile, the Moon Stage will host musical performances from fresh local talent, younger crowds can head to the Brizzle Kicks Stage for daily children’s entertainment, while this year’s charity partner, Love Squared, is hosting a family-friendly tent full of creative activities and fundraising oppurtunitues.
BBC Radio Bristol will also once again be on site with a pop-up radio station and interactive activities, including the opportunity to audition as a BBC voiceover artist or try commentating the Gladiators final. Plus, their ever-popular BBC Game also returns, along with giveaways and merchandise.
Hungry? Bristol-based restaurant Pasture returns to the event with a premium dining experience. Known for their fire-based cooking, the team from Pasture will be running a ticketed restaurant overlooking the main arena (reservations can be made here). For a quicker option, the new BBQ concept, Prime, will offer grab-and-go dishes adjacent to the main tent.
Which balloons will be at the Fiesta?
Hundreds of balloons are expected to in Ashton Court. These include the beloved ‘UP’ balloon, Thomas the Tank Engine (tether only), Astro the Alien, Rupert the Bear (tether only) and Slick the Dragon. Making his Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, the 143 ft Oggy the Friendly Dragon will also be in town.
You should also keep a look out for the Wallace & Gromit Moon Rocket, Buster and Bella The Bulldogs, Orange, Slither the Snake, Snow White (tether only), Lips, Daisy the Cow, Ralph The Rosier, Ordnance Survey Map (tether only), Panasonic Battery (tether only) and the BBC Globe (tether only).
The first Bristol Balloon Fiesta, which was started by friends in 1979, saw 27 different hot air balloons launch from Ashton Court. Heading into its 47th edition this year, it’s turned Bristol into the ballooning capital of Europe. So to ensure your very own balloon flight out of the site, book early—you contact the balloon operators here.
How much does it cost?
As said, the Balloon Fiesta is free to attend, but you can enhance your experience with a Sky Lounge ticket. Located right next to the arena, Sky Lounge offers a clear view of the balloon launch field under a stretch tent, with access to complimentary wi-fi, private toilets and a dedicated cash bar. You can get yours here.
How do I get to the Fiesta?
If you’re travelling by car, you must pre-purchase a parking ticket. When on your way to Ashton Court Estate, you may encounter various road closures, so please follow the traffic signs. Shuttle bus links will also connect Bristol Temple Meads and the City Centre to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta (the recommended way), while those willing to cycle or walk should take the ‘Festival Way’. You can learn more here.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta schedule:
Friday 8th August
- Scheduled Mass Ascent, 6 am
- In The Clouds Opens, 6 am
- Model Balloons, 7:45 am
- Historic Balloons, 8:45 am
- The Rockets – Children’s Motorcycle Display Team, 11 am
- Brizzle Kicks (Children’s Entertainment Stage) Opens, 12 pm
- BIMM Moon Stage Opens, 12 pm
- Hot Air Balloon Tethering (weather permitting), 1 pm
- Meet the Pilot, 3 pm
- Model Planes, 3:15 pm
The Rockets Children’s Motorcycle Display Team, 4:30 pm - Schedule Mass Ascent, 6 pm
- Samba Band, 7:30 pm
- Model Balloons Glow, 8 pm
- Nightglow, 9 pm
Saturday 9th August
- Scheduled Mass Ascent, 6 am
- In The Clouds Opens, 6 am
- Model Balloons, 7:45 am
- Historic Balloons, 8:45 am
- Avon & Somerset Police Dog Display, 10:45 am
- Brizzle Kicks (Children’s Entertainment Stage) Opens, 12 pm
- BIMM Moon Stage Opens, 12 pm
- The Rockets Children’s Motorcycle Display Team, 12 pm
- Model Planes, 1:15 pm
- Avon & Somerset Police Dog Display, 2:15 pm
- Meet the Pilot, 3:30 pm
- Cameron Balloons Demonstration, 3:30 pm
- The Rockets Children’s Motorcycle Display Team, 5 pm
- Scheduled Mass Ascent, 6 pm
- Samba Band, 7:30 pm
- Model Balloons Glow, 8 pm
- Nightglow, 9 pm
Sunday 10th August
- Scheduled Mass Ascent, 6 am
- In The Clouds Opens, 6 am
- Model Balloons, 8:15 am
- Model Planes, 9:15 am
- Avon & Somerset Police Dog Display, 10:30 am
- The Rockets Motorbike Display Team, 11:45 am
- Brizzle Kicks (Children’s Entertainment Stage) Opens, 12 pm
- BIMM Moon Stage Opens, 12 pm
- Special Shapes Sunday, 1 pm
- Meet the Pilot, 2 pm
- Avon & Somerset Police Dog Display, 3:30 pm
- The Rockets Motorcycle Display Team, 5 pm
- Scheduled Mass Ascent, 6 pm
- Closing Ceremony, 6:30 pm
To learn more about Bristol International Balloon Fiesta head here.