Bristol International Balloon Fiesta returns in typically spectacular high-flying fashion at Ashton Court Estate from 6-9 August 2015
Posted on: 12 Mar 2015Up, up and away in my beautiful balloon. That's right, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta returns to the city this year for four days of free family fun from 6 - 9 August 2015.
Now in its 37th year, it's Europe's largest ballooning event that will wow the crowds with over 150 hot air balloons ascending to the skies from Ashton Court Estate.
Famous for its dawn ascents and spectacular Night Glow and fireworks, you can be sure there will also be a fun-filled jamboree of things to see and do on the ground to keep the whole family entertained, including food stalls and bars, face painting, music areas and fairground rides.
Over half a million visitors from all over the world flock to experience the grandeur, majesty and spectacle of the Balloon Fiesta, and this year's event promises to be even more awe-inspiring and thrilling.
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Balloon ascents - depending on the uniquely capricious nature of UK weather - kick off daily at 6am and 6pm. 'Breakfast and Balloons' always gathers an enthusiastic crowd of early risers, watching the balloons drift in to the early morning distance as they chomp on their bacon sarnie and slurp the first coffee of the day. The evening equally attracts the masses, and you're always encouraged to tip up a bit early to get a good spot and vantage point.
The Nightglow and Fireworks sees 30 balloons light up as night falls around 9pm on the Thursday and Saturday, accompanied by soaring music and breathtaking fireworks.
And of course there's the entertainment which makes the four days wonderful fun for the whole family. Previous attractions have included EXIT Parachute Display Team, Spitfire Memorial Flight, and the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, and this year will see the Bristol Balloon Fiesta Bandstand and Small Stage hosting a truly splendiferously diverse range of acts and musicians, including jazz, blues, folk and pop.
It's one of the genuinely unmissable events of the festival calendar and something to exuberantly blow plenty of hot air about.
For a full listing of events, activities and times, head to the official Bristol International Balloon Fiesta website.
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
