Travel

Take to the Skies with the Bristol Balloon Fiesta 9-12 August

By: Janey Davies on February 14, 2013 @ 5:15 pm

More than 150 balloons will take to the skies in August when the Bristol Balloon Fiesta holds its’ annual Hot Air Balloon festival between 9th and 12th of the month. Now in its 34th year, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is Europe’s largest annual Hot Air Balloon event and one of the UK’s top five outdoor events. The Fiesta has grown to attract more than 500,000 visitors during the show’s four days and best of all, it’s absolutely FREE to attend. You get to see masses of Hot Air Balloons, ascending at 6.00am and 6.00pm, and the now infamous Nightglows are on both Thursday and Saturday evenings. There are arena and air displays, with over 250 trade stands and caterers, and a variety of other entertainments. This spectacular event also showcases a magnificent performance from the infamous Red Arrows and finally, the event ends with a stunning firework display.

The Bristol Balloon Fiesta have a fun packed four days of Ballooning for you, here is what you can expect to see on most days, but check this page for more definite details:

Thursday 9th August

On the first day of the Fiesta the gates will open at 12.00pm with Hot Air Balloon Tethers in the main arena, throughout the afternoon. The Trade and Entertainment Village are also open. At 6.00pm you have the Special Shapes Ascent – a number of your favourite special shape hot air balloons will take to the skies. At 9.30pm is the Nightglow and Firework Finale – Here you can see the world famous Bristol Nightglow, where 30 or more balloons will glow in time to music. Gates Close at 10.30pm.

Friday 10th August

For the next three days the gates will open at 6.00am for the Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent where over 100 balloons will take to the skies from Ashton Court (weather permitting). At 9.00am the Trade and Entertainment Village are open. At 12.00pm the Arena Entertainment and Tethered Balloons are on show. At 6.00pm you can see the Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent with over 100 balloons taking to the skies from Ashton Court (weather permitting). At 7.30pm there is the lluminAir Display and Gates Close at 9.00pm.

Saturday 11th August

Gates open at 6.00am with a Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent. At 9.00am the Trade and Entertainment Village is open. At 12.00pm you can view the Arena Entertainment and Tethered Balloons. At 6.00pm a Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent and at 9.30pm – Nightglow and Firework Finale. Gates Close at 10.30pm.

Sunday 12th August

Gates open at 6.00am with the Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent and at 9.00am the Trade and Entertainment Village are open. At 12.00pm the Arena Entertainment and Tethered Balloons are viewable. At 5.00pm The Blades take to the skies. At 6.00pm a Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent.

So whether you want a fun packed day out for all the family, to meet up with friends for a drink whilst watching 150 balloons lift off, or simply to come and soak up the atmosphere at the village green – you’ll be guaranteed a great time.

Further Reading

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