News / bristol balloon fiesta
First special shapes revealed for Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2026
Some 20 special shapes will be among more than 120 hot air balloons taking part in the 2026 edition of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
The free event is returning from August 7 to 9 with balloons from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the USA and Mexico due to take off from Ashton Court.
Among the special shapes will be Wallace & Gromit’s Moon Rocket, Simbaloo the Lion and Adelaide the Koala; as well as all the way from the USA, the 143-foot tall Oggy the Friendly Dragon and 120-feet tall Smiley Scarecrow.
Balloon Fiesta executive director, Ben Hardy, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome one of our strongest ballooning lineups in several years to Bristol this August, with well over 120 balloons expected and a fantastic lineup of special shapes.
“It’s a real reflection of the energy behind a revitalised Fiesta and our ambition to celebrate the magic of ballooning in new and engaging ways.
“This year’s ballooning programme deliberately extends beyond the iconic mass ascents and nightglows.
“While part of the magic of ballooning is the anticipation of whether conditions will allow flights to go ahead, we’ve worked hard to build a broader programme that gives visitors more opportunities to connect with the sport, whatever weather the weekend brings.”
Main photo: Exclusive Ballooning
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