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Balloon Fiesta reaches Beyond the Horizon for 2025
The theme for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2025 has been announced. The annual event, now in its 47th year, will be reaching Beyond the Horizon.
The event will take place across three days from August 8 to 10.
The announcement also builds on the success of last year’s changes to help secure the future of this iconic event after the free event faced several challenges.
is needed now More than ever
Challenges ranging from poor weather and rising costs to supply chain issues and the wider economic climate.
This prompted the organisers to revaluate their strategy, so far as urging the public to support the festival with donations in order to continue.
Changes including shifting to a three-day format, proved effective in reducing the event’s in-year deficit by approximately £80,000.
While the Fiesta continues to operate at a loss, the deficit is now significantly smaller, and organisers are optimistic that, with continued progress and support, the event could break even this year.
This would then enable the event to start to build reserves to protect itself for unexpected challenging years in the future.
A major boost to the not-for-profit event has come from a new headline sponsorship deal, providing crucial financial support over the next three years.
The partnership with leading South West accountancy firm, Albert Goodman will help ensure the Fiesta stays true to its founding constitution – to remain free for the city, celebrate Bristol, support the regional economy, and share the magic of hot air ballooning with all.
Prior to the Fiesta as we now know it, for ten years Don Cameron held an annual balloon show for the Bristol Junior Chamber – photo: Hannah Massoudi
Cameron Balloons is one of the world’s largest and most innovative producers of hot air balloons. As well being the busy hub for designers and makers of them.
Founder Don Cameron, came up with the idea of the Fiesta over a pint with friends. The first of 28 balloons left the ground in September 1979.
When asked about the upcoming 50th anniversary and any potential plans, Dom gave nothing away and instead preferred to focus on taking each year as it comes.
The first flight Don ever piloted was the Bristol Bell in 1967 when he was 28. He shared that the special shapes at the festival are his favourite balloons.
The festival has seen many notable special shapes from Darth Vader, to Mr Peanut and Bertie Bassett. Appealing to both kids and adults alike.
There are two significant memories that stand out to him. He describes the moment the Scottish Piper started to take off of the ground.
Surrounded by a live band, he says: “One player began to play Amazing Grace. As it launched the whole band came in. Which made an amazing spectacle.”
The other he recalls is the house from Up. Not only a fan favourite but was also a hit with the designers. He says they received the greatest compliment when the designers couldn’t believe that the final product was possibly real.
Bristol24/7 was invited along to find out what’s new for this year’s Fiesta. Reporter Dom Waters taking in the interior of the Bristol Balloon -photo: Hannah Massoudi
The Fiesta’s focus on enhancing visitor experiences will continue.
The much-loved Meet The Pilots initiative, which expanded in 2024, will return due to overwhelming popularity.
A new highlight for 2025 will be ‘In The Clouds,’ an immersive attraction featuring a cold-inflated hot air balloon that visitors can step inside, complete with a soundscape replicating the experience of pilots in flight.
At the heart of the event, the central arena will continue to set the stage for over 100 hot air balloons to take flight if conditions allow, twice daily at dawn (approx. 6am) and dusk (approx. 6pm).
After nightfall, the event’s iconic Nightglows will again take place on consecutive evenings on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 August as more than half a dozen hot air balloons tether and light-up in sequence to a soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol.
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In 2024, organisers announced an extension of the event, with Fiesta Week.
For 2025, this will take on a fresh approach and rather than concentrate balloon launches in one week of August, organisers are looking to introduce a Schools Tether Roadshow.
The initiative will look to bring hot air balloons directly into communities and schools across the city, providing a unique educational experience that complements the curriculum while creating more opportunity for children across the city to engage with the wonder of ballooning.
With the Fiesta’s future is looking more secure, organisers are calling on the city to continue supporting ballooning’s halo event.
Visitors can help by marking their calendars and purchasing car parking and hospitality tickets in advance. Partners and brands are also encouraged to get involved, shaping the entertainment programme and celebrating this unique and adventurous spectacle.
Businesses looking to align with Bristol’s most valuable outdoor event, generating £22.2m for the local economy, can do so through sponsorship, ensuring the Fiesta continues to thrive and elevate the city’s international profile.
Cameron balloons has built more that 9500 balloons in more than 50 years – photo: Hannah Massoudi
Main photo: Paul Box
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