Bristol Balloon Fiesta and Fireworks

What: Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2014
When: 6am - 10 pm on 7th - 10th August 2014
Where: Ashton Court Estate, Bristol BS8 3TQ

From the very first event back in 1979 Bristol balloon festival has steadily grown to become the second biggest events of its type in the world.

With 300 balloons in attendance this is the largest collection of hot air balloons in the UK, being slightly overshadowed by Albuquerque.

In its 36th year this free balloon festival brings in around £13,000.000 to the local economy over the four days, such is the popularity of the show the nearby Clifton suspension bridge is closed both to traffic and pedestrians due to the stress of the thronging public on the bridge.

Starting at 6 am on the 7th August with “breakfast and balloons”, some of the best balloon pilots in the world will lift off for a mass assent, when you consider that around 30 balloons will lift off simultaneously the level skill required to attend this event would have to be of a world-class standard.

On the 10th August 2013 45 balloons landed in single small field near to Cadbury’s former factory in Keynsham breaking a festival record.

Over the years balloons have attended from all over the world in unusual shapes and designs, from UFO’s, Rupert the bear, a kiwi bird shaped balloon from New Zealand an upside down balloon and even a Tesco shopping trolley.

As always there will be something for everyone, from arts and crafts stands to the Red Arrows, the “Exit” parachute team, R.A.F Falcons and a whole host of other entertainments and attractions for visitors for all ages.

On Thursday and Saturday nights the spectacle that is the “night glow” watched annually by over 100,000 will culminate in a huge fireworks show starting at 21:15 and presented by Skyburst fireworks, the firm which fired £7,500 of fireworks in a few seconds on the Clifton suspension bridge to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic torch to Bristol.

Held until recently in the second week of September, the change of date promises better weather for all attending, less muddy ground to contend with and less chance of flight cancellation due to the high winds experienced in the later months.

We here at Epic would love the chance to attend the fireworks but as the event coincides with our busiest wedding period it is unlikely the boss will allow time off.