Bristol all set for a scorching end to the Balloon Fiesta weekend!
Posted on: 08 Aug 2024Kicking off tomorrow, the annual summer calendar highlight will once more see the skies above Bristol filled with a vibrant abundance of hot air balloons.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta runs from Friday 9 until Sunday 11 August 2024.
With some high-profile weather forecast websites predicting highs of 28° on Sunday and, at most, a sprinkling of rain throughout the whole weekend, this looks all set to be a Balloon Fiesta for the ages with Bristolians as well as balloon enthusiasts from further afield descending on Ashton Court Estate for three days of fun.
The Balloon Fiesta is FREE to attend, find out more HERE.
Ranking special shapes at the Balloon Fiesta ????
— BBC Bristol (@BBCBristol) August 7, 2024
BBC Radio Bristol’s @JoeSims10 blind ranks eight special shaped balloons you can see at @bristolballoon over the weekend.
Which is your favourite? ???? pic.twitter.com/p3pzSP5QdM
Friday 9 August will feature headline 6 AM and 6 PM mass ascents as well as the famous Nightglow – an awe-inspiring, soundtracked display of the balloon’s burners – at 9 PM. Friday entertainment includes the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships, the Thatcher’s Big Apple Race, Brizzle Kicks (children’s entertainment stage) and more.
Saturday 10 will also feature 6 AM and 6 PM mass ascents, alongside a 9 PM Nightglow. Elsewhere, visitors will be able to enjoy a Police Dog Display, live music, the Solent Stars Youth Motorbike Stunt Team and much more. The same can be said for Sunday 11 with an Inflation Race, Meet The Pilot event and more all scheduled.
Throughout the weekend, shuttle buses will be running from Bristol Temple Meads and the City Centre. This service will run from 11.30 AM on Friday and 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday, with return journeys running until 11.30 PM on Friday, Saturday and 9.30 PM on Sunday. Car park tickets can be purchased HERE.
If you would rather not face the chaos of Ashton Court on The Fiesta weekend, Bristol’s status as a truly hilly city means that there are plenty of great spots to view the ascents, some of our favourite vantage points include Brandon Hill, Clifton Observatory and Perrett’s Park.
Good morning #Bristol. We had hoped to bring you bright news this morning but the winds up high are not safe to fly this morning.
— Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (@bristolballoon) August 7, 2024
The good news: the forecast improves as the week goes on with promising conditions starting to show for the weekend. It’s time to soar into #BIBF24 pic.twitter.com/y70vWjSo7P
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta runs from Friday 9 until Sunday 11 August 2024 – find out more from the event website.
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Article by:
Stan is a born and bred Bristolian, recently graduated from studying English Literature in Sheffield. His passions are music and literature and he spends the majority of his time in venues all over the city, immersing himself in Bristol’s alternative music scene. A lifelong Bristol City fan, Stan’s Saturdays are spent watching his team both home and away.
