News / bristol balloon fiesta
Return of Bristol Balloon Fiesta for 2022
Balloons dotting the clear blue skies above the city herald the return of a world-renowned event.
Bristol Balloon Fiesta is back at Ashton Court from Thursday to Sunday following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
With more than 130 different balloons expected to take to the skies, this year’s fiesta will see the return of the much-loved night glow display, mass ascents (weather permitting), music and much more.
The fireworks display due to take place on the Saturday night has been cancelled due to the dry and hot weather.
Visitors can still expect a wide range of different entertainment, children’s activities and a variety of food stalls and bars.
As night falls on Saturday, some 25 balloons will light up to a soundtrack recorded and curated by BBC Radio Bristol to reflect the communities across the city.
Over 500,000 visitors are set attend this weekend – photo: Paul Box
Every 6am and 6pm, there will be a mass accent from the arena across the four days, as long as the weather plays ball.
The fiesta will begin at 12pm on Thursday with hot air balloons tethering throughout the afternoon. A mass accent in the afternoon will be led by Allie Dunnington in memory of her late husband, Phil, a flight instructor who conducted the pilot licence tests for many of the pilots at the fiesta.
A family-friendly event, there will also be children entertainment, with the likes of Pip and Posy joining the fiesta. Activities and entertainment will begin from 11am each day.
Other highlights include the “new and special shape balloons” which have been made by logistics business Huboo and international brand Paul Smith.
The fiesta is free although there is a charge for parking.
Previous years have seen people travel from the city centre to Ashton Court via free shuttle buses, but these won’t be running this year due to staff shortages.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf4MnpBMsqD/
Access the full fiesta programme via: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/
Main photo: Paul Box
Read more: Balloon fiesta shuttle buses axed due to driver shortage
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