Update on Bristol International Balloon Fiesta: flypast and virtual nightglow planned
Posted on: 02 Jul 2020Balloons will fly over Bristol this summer, but we’ll have to stay at home to watch them.
Due to government guidelines around social distancing, organisers of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta have said the 2020 event cannot take place as normal.
But a slimmed-down version of the annual celebration will take place, without the usual on-the-ground activities at Ashton Court.
This year, a flypast is planned for one early morning during the first fortnight of August, launching from an undisclosed location. It’ll see balloons take to the skies over the city.
There will also be a ‘virtual nightglow’ on Saturday 8 August, which will be staged in a private location, in collaboration with BBC Radio Bristol.
The nightglow, which people will be able to watch online, will be staged with “extra special additions and a soundtrack produced to lift the spirits of the city.”
Watch: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta announce plans for 2020 event
Chris Allcock, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta chair said the team are “deeply saddened” that the usual gathering at Ashton Court cannot take place this year.
“But we have been working with our balloonists and the authorities to create an event which adheres to the social distancing restrictions.
Chris added: “We are inviting Bristolians to watch the balloons from the safety of their own doorsteps and gardens.”
“Social distancing means we absolutely cannot gather in parks or Bristol’s open spaces or invite our audiences to see the balloons take off or land, to protect our pilots and the public.”
“Instead we’re asking people to give them a wave as they fly past Bristol’s communities.”
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is set to be the world’s first hot air balloon event since the start of the coronavirus outbreak
A festival spokesperson added: “The location of the balloon launches will remain private in order to adhere to government guidelines and Bristol audiences are urged to stay away from public spaces and protect the city from incurring any surge in COVID-19 as a result of the event.”
Anyone who has already purchased car parking for the event will be able to log into the ticket platform to select a refund, which will be automatically processed within 25 days of selecting.
Those wishing to support the event through 2020 can select the option to donate their ticket, either the full or partial amount, using the same process.
With just over one month to go to the traditional fiesta event dates, more information will be announced over the coming weeks.
Follow the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @bristolballoon.
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