The iconic Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a free to attend, three-day event that celebrates the city and its heritage links to the remarkable world of hot air ballooning.
For the 8-10 August, the rolling hills of Ashton Court on the outskirts of the city of Bristol are home to a temporary playground of entertainment, and a stage set ready and waiting for over 100 hot air balloons to take flight.
At the heart of the experience of this unique event, is a game of chance – will these feats of engineering take flight. In the chance that they don’t fly the Fiesta has refocussed attention to introduce multiple opportunities for visitors to still experience the magic of ballooning regardless.
With mass ascents of over 100 hot air balloons scheduled twice daily, visitors have the chance to see the compact central arena awash with a rainbow of colour at dawn (approx. 6am) and at dusk (approx. 6pm).
1. Mass Ascents: At the heart of the experience of this unique event, is a game of chance – will these majestic hot air balloons take flight.
With mass ascents of over 100 hot air balloons scheduled twice daily, visitors have the chance to see the compact central arena awash with a rainbow of colour at dawn (approx. 6am) and at dusk (approx. 6pm).
2. Nightglows: On Friday and Saturday visitors can stay beyond nightfall to experience the event’s iconic Nightglows.
3. Ballooning arena: Outside of the scheduled balloon launches and iconic Nightglows, the main arena is programmed throughout the day to keep audiences entertained.
From balloon themed favourites including Meet The Pilots, inflation races and tethered hot air balloons, to stunt displays, interactive challenges and Samba bands.
https://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/whats-on/timetable-programme
4. Beyond the arena
Beyond the arena, a programme of entertainment, traders, exhibitors, caterers and activities allow visitors to experience the magic of ballooning and this unique day out even when the weather prevents the balloons from taking flight.
During the day you will find the Brizzle Kicks family entertainment stage, produced by Party Peeps, and the Moon Stage, our acoustic music stage produced by BIMM.
New for 2025 is In The Clouds, an immersive attraction where visitors can walk inside a cold-inflated hot air balloon, while hearing a soundscape that replicates the experience of pilots in flight.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - 47th year
For the 8-10 August, the rolling hills of Ashton Court on the outskirts of the city of Bristol are home to a temporary playground of entertainment, and a stage set ready and waiting for over 100 hot air balloons to take flight.
As well as the fan-favourite balloons making a comeback, there will also be a new 42m (140ft) high Oggy the Friendly Dragon.
162.76 miles
