BRISTOL BALLOON FIESTA 2019

WHAT: BRISTOL BALLOON FIESTA 2019
WHY: HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL FEATURING LIVE MUSIC AND FIREWORK WEEKEND
WHERE: ASHTON COURT ESTATE, LONG ASHTON, BRISTOL
WHEN: THURSDAY 8TH AUGUST TO SUNDAY 11TH AUGUST 2019
COST: FREE

The annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta is once again on the horizon which entertained over 100,000 visitors last year. The event takes place in the grounds of the beautiful Ashton Court Estate where 130 plus hot air balloon flyers congregate for the biggest annual meeting of balloonists in Europe.

The itinerary is as follows:

THURSDAY 8^TH AUGUST

12PM - FIESTA OPENS

6PM - MASS BALLOON FLIGHT

9PM - NIGHT GLOW AND FIREWORK FINALE

FRIDAY 9^TH AUGUST

12PM - FIESTA OPENS

6PM - MASS BALLOON FLIGHT

9PM - NIGHT GLOW AND FIREWORK FINALE

SATURDAY 10^TH AUGUST

6AM - MASS BALLOON LAUNCH

8AM - MODEL HOT AIR BALLOON COMPETITION

12PM – 5.30PM - ARENA ENTERTAINMENT

6PM - MASS BALLOON FLIGHT

9PM - NIGHT GLOW AND FIREWORK FINALE

SUNDAY 11^TH AUGUST

6AM - MASS BALLOON LAUNCH

12PM – 5.30PM - ARENA ENTERTAINMENT

6PM - MASS BALLOON FLIGHT

Each of the weekend events will close at 10.30pm

The event started over 40 years ago and instantly captured the hearts of the spectators and local residents alike. As free events go, this one is packed to the rafters with things to do. There are special ‘shaped balloon’ events alongside the more common tear drop shaped examples and on the Fiesta Band Stand, there are a huge array of musicians and acts playing everything from rock and pop to jazz, country and folk.

You can enjoy all that the event has to offer by camping overnight or staying at one of the glamping sites. If like me the thought of no electricity and shared showers fills you with dread, there are a smattering of hotels nearby.

Some of the old favourites of the balloons have already confirmed their attendance at the meet, including buster the bulldog, the Maxwell house coffee jar, Simbaloo and busby, the queens guard, to name just a few. Organisers have been asked to try to secure the attendance of the dark ‘lord vader’ but there is no word yet on whether we are going to see this icon in the skies over Bristol this year.

One of the main attractions is the beautiful ‘Night Glow’ where the balloons are tethered and light up in time to the music. This is certainly one of those ‘bucket list’ occasions that you simply must see. The ballooners blast hot air into their creations in patters to match the music from BBC Radio Bristol.

FAIRGROUND RIDES

SHOWS AND MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT

TRADE AND CRAFT STALLS

BALLOON RIDES

NIGHT GLOW

FOOD AND DRINK CONCESSIONS

FIREWORKS

Be warned, although some of the food is good, it is VERY expensive (according to the hundreds of google reviews) so take along a picnic and blanket to save time (queuing) and cost!

The fireworks will be handled by the professional team from Skyburst The Firework Company who even have their own balloon. Skyburst Fireworks has competed all over the UK but as one of the busiest teams in the industry, they certainly know how to capture the hearts of the crowds.

So, there you have it; a great day out for all the family which if you plan in advance (don’t forget the hand sanitizer and loo roll for the portaloo) needn’t cost an arm and a leg and for families looking for something to entertain the little darlings whilst the school holidays are taking place, this is a great alternative.