The 2021 Bristol Balloon Fiesta has been reorganised as a flyover event
Posted on: 18 Jun 2021Organisers have taken the decision to change this year's plans amid ongoing public safety concerns.
This summer's Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has been reshuffled, and will now go ahead as a 'Fiesta Fortnight' flyover programme across two weeks in August.
Confirming the news on Tuesday (15 June), organisers said they were forced into the decision following changes to the government's 'roadmap' out of lockdown, which delayed a nationwide end to COVID-related restrictions from 21 June to 19 July.
The update comes just over a month after the Balloon Fiesta team announced they were in the planning stages of their 2021 event, hoping to make a return following their cancellation in 2020.
*FIESTA UPDATE* We have taken the decision to change our plans of holding the event at Ashton Court Estate in 2021, instead, we are planning ‘Fiesta Fortnight’ with flypasts and ballooning spectaculars for the city this August.
— Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (@bristolballoon) June 15, 2021
Read all about it here! https://t.co/8Mms8Be4bd pic.twitter.com/WO2PGtRXTD
As part of this week's statement, organisers said: "We understand this will be a disappointment to our visitors, as well as the various businesses and organisations across the city and region that benefit from the significant economic impact of the event taking place.
"It really is not a decision that we have taken lightly. We have considered a number of alternatives to deliver the fiesta using the various measures currently being trialled by public events, however, these significantly change the ethos and accessibility which is at the heart of the fiesta.
"Without any certainty that we will be able to stage the event with no limits on capacity in August, it means a huge financial gamble of a seven-figure sum."
In the absence of the full-scale Balloon Fiesta, the team say they're "determined" to put together an unmissable alternative, set to deliver a series of city-wide launches during the first two weeks of August, allowing the public to enjoy safely from their own homes and communities.
Bristolians can nominate the locations they'd like to see balloons launched from by filling out this form. For more information, or to follow news and updates in the coming weeks, head to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta website.
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Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.
