Bristol International Balloon Fiesta to celebrate 40 years this summer
Posted on: 15 Feb 2018The summer of 2018 will see the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta celebrate 40 years in the running.
The fiesta which takes place at Ashton Court Estate from Thursday 9th August to Sunday 12th August, sees over 100 hot air balloons take to the skies of Bristol. One of the City’s most famous attractions, it draws crowds in the hundreds of thousands.
The free event features the renowned Night Glows, where the balloons light up the sky in time to music. A colourful, fun event for all ages to enjoy, there are fairground rides, food and drink stalls and more!
Next year will mark an even more spectacular show, with special plans to make the fiesta better than ever before - keep an eye out for details to follow in the New Year.
The Fiesta was first imagined in 1978 by Don Cameron, owner of the world’s largest balloon manufacturer, Cameron Balloons, and friends. The following summer, on the 7th – 9th September 1979, 27 hot air balloons took part in the very first Fiesta as Ashton Court Estate.
The event was hosted by the Bristol Junior Chamber of Commerce and funded by local commercial sponsorship. The concept was simple; the Fiesta would provide a platform for companies to promote themselves at the same time as producing a spectacular free show for the public. To this date, this vision remains the constitution of the event.
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is now firmly established as Europe’s largest annual hot air balloon festival and one of the UK’s top 5 outdoor events. The iconic images of Bristol and balloons have become synonymous with the city and are seen around the World.
Don Cameron, founder and chairman of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, commented: “Ballooning is a magical experience and from the very first event in 1979 with just a few balloons, that magic has grown the Fiesta into an event that is now part of the calendar. With such an extraordinary year around the corner, we are really looking forward to a very special Fiesta that everyone in the city can celebrate and share in as we mark the event’s 40th anniversary."
For more information and to keep up to date on the latest news visit the official website here.
365Bristol recommend Bristol Balloons who we have been working with for the last 4 years. They provide balloon flights whenever the weather permits and have exceptional service! They have a special offer for a Classic Champagne Flight Voucher for 2 people for just £280. For more information visit their website at www.bristolballoons.co.uk or call 0117 9471030.
Article by:
Hannah recently graduated with a degree in English with Writing. She is an avid writer, freelancer and creative. She is currently writing her first full-length novel and a collection of poetry. Always out and about in Bristol's music scene, she attends music events on a weekly basis.
