News / bristol balloon fiesta
Countdown to Balloon Fiesta begins with lift off from College Green
It was firing on all cylinders. And there was a lot of hot air.
At around 6:30am on Friday morning, a fleet of hot air balloons lifted off from College Green, soaring into the Bristol skyline as the official countdown to the much-anticipated Bristol International Balloon Fiesta got off to a flying start.
The Balloon Fiesta is held in partnership with the Taunton-based accountancy firm Albert Goodman, while the preview ascent on College Green was supported by Bristol City Centre BID.
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Returning for its 47th edition, Bristol Balloon Fiesta brings some 500,000 people to the grounds of Ashton Court every year, making it the largest free hot air balloon festival in Europe.
A staple of Bristol’s calendar for over four decades, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta’s current contribution to the local economy is estimated around £20m annually.
The annual bonanza will run from August 8 to 10 with the participation of some 100 hot air balloons with various shapes, sizes and colours, with mass ascents scheduled for 6am and 6m everyday, with weather permitting.
The preview launch on Friday morning assembled around ten hot air balloons with various company logos such as Thatchers, Tattinger, Fishtank, Bradfords, Southern Plasticad and Cameron Balloons, the undisputed leader of hot air balloons around the world.
The official countdown to the 47th Bristol Balloon Fiesta launched at College Green
Among those who attended the preview ascent was Don Cameron, founder of Cameron Balloons who firmly put Bristol on the map as the largest hot air balloon manufacturer in the world.
Bristol24/7 boarded a Thatchers Cider balloon operated by First Flight, which also operated two other balloons during the ascent from College Green. The balloon reached a peak altitude of 1,700 feet before, passing over Bristol Temple Meads, Arnos Vale, St Anne, Hanham, and finally landing at Oldland Common near Bitton, offering a glimpse of a hot air balloon ride.
This year’s expanded special shapes line-up blends much-loved classics, recent favourites and new arrivals. Highlights include the UP balloon, Sonic the Hedgehog, Thomas the Tank Engine, Rupert the Bear and Wallace & Gromit’s Moon Rocket.
Among those who attended the preview ascent was Don Cameron, founder of Cameron Balloons who firmly put Bristol on the map as the largest hot air balloon manufacturer in the world
Making their Bristol debut are Oggy the Friendly Dragon, flown in from the US, and the Nivea Deodorant balloon, built in Bristol but operated in France for over 20 years.
Other eye-catching shapes include Astro the Alien, Slick the Dragon, Buster and Bella the Bulldogs, Daisy the Cow, Snow White, Slither the Snake, and tethered balloons such as the BBC Globe, Ordnance Survey Map and Panasonic Battery.
The preview ascent involved some ten hot air balloons which were assembled on College Green
Ben Hardy, executive director of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, said: “And here we go again – it’s incredible to be back, marking the countdown to the 47th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
“We cannot wait to share this year’s programme and features, which not only enhance the visitor experience but also celebrate Bristol’s unique and historic connection to hot air ballooning.
“Beyond the main event, we’ve been proud to expand our community outreach through the Schools Tether Roadshow this year, which brought the magic of ballooning to eight schools across the city. It’s been a real privilege and joy to share this experience with the next generation.”
“It was firing on all cylinders. And there was a lot of hot air”
The event, as per other years, remains free to attend with the contribution of local businesses, especially Albert Goodman, the principal sponsor.
Neil Johnston, partner at Albert Goodman, said: “The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has now been running for almost half a century. It’s an iconic event that not only brings people together from across the region, but also celebrates the city’s rich heritage and spirit of innovation.
“As a firm with deep roots in the South West, community is at the heart of everything we do – and the Fiesta perfectly reflects that sense of pride and shared experience. Watching the balloons take flight over the city is always magical, and we’re thrilled to be playing a part in delivering such a memorable event that everyone can enjoy.”
A cluster of balloons took to the Bristol skies from College Green to mark the countdown for the annual Balloon Fiesta on Ashton Court
As day turns to night, the Fiesta comes alive with the fan-favourite Nightglow on Friday and Saturday evenings, where tethered balloons light up in sync to a carefully curated setlist, bringing illuminated balloons to dance.
While entry is free, visitors can upgrade with Sky Lounge tickets for prime views near the arena, plus access to a stretch tent, private toilets, free Wi-Fi and a dedicated bar.
Welcoming the Bristol Balloon Fiesta during her first year in office, metro mayor Helen Godwin lauded the event, saying, “There’s nothing quite like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta”.
Godwin added: “Those of us lucky enough to grow up here in the West Country know there’s nothing quite like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Seeing our skies full of shapes and colours is truly special – whether you find balloons already flying overhead, or you’re hoping the wind will bring them your way.”
It was firing on all cylinders on College Green this morning as the official countdown for @bristolballoon began. pic.twitter.com/8mTrDhLHS9
— Milan Gregory Perera (@stbonscc) July 25, 2025
This year’s edition of Bristol Balloon Fiesta features an expanded line-up of on-the-ground entertainment, such as ”Meet the Pilots”where balloon enthusiasts get the chance to chat with the seasoned crews.
All photos: Rob Browne
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