Celebratory Event: Bristol Ball Fete
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta: A Spectacular Celebration of Hot Air Balloons and More
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, held annually in early August, is Europe's largest hot air balloon festival and a major highlight of the Bristol summer calendar[2][3]. This three-day event, which takes place at the picturesque Ashton Court Estate, attracts up to 100,000 visitors each year[3].
A Rich History of Ballooning
Bristol is renowned as the birthplace of modern ballooning in Europe, with the creation of the Bristol Belle, the first modern hot air balloon in Britain, in the 1960s[1]. The city's association with ballooning dates back even further to 1784, when hot air balloons were exhibited indoors at a local art show[1].
The first Bristol International Balloon Fiesta was held in September 1979 at Ashton Court, organized by the Bristol Junior Chamber and sponsored by local companies[5]. Since then, the event has expanded significantly, now combining ballooning with live music, food stalls, fairground rides, and family entertainment.
A Spectacle for All Ages
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta offers a variety of exciting attractions. Mass ascents with over 100 balloons launching twice daily create colorful skies[2][3]. In the evenings, Night Glows provide a magical experience as balloons are inflated and lit up in sync with music[3]. The festivities are further enhanced with fireworks and live music, creating a lively and festive atmosphere[2][4].
The event is free to attend and family-friendly, making it an enjoyable experience for all ages[2][3]. Unique balloon shapes, such as dinosaurs and aliens, can often be seen gracing the skies[1].
A Celebration of Bristol's Ballooning Heritage
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is more than just a hot air balloon festival. It is a celebration of Bristol's rich ballooning heritage, reinforcing the city’s identity as a global ballooning hub[1][3]. From the launch site, hot air balloons can be seen soaring over the city, including landmarks like Clifton Suspension Bridge and residential areas[2][4].
Photographer Toby Melville has captured some of these memorable moments, including a crew inflating a hot air balloon before launch and a flight over a car park[6]. Another striking image shows festival participants in the sky with Clifton Suspension Bridge in the background[6].
In conclusion, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a large, iconic, and historic event that blends spectacular hot air balloon displays with cultural and family activities, firmly rooted in Bristol’s pioneering ballooning past.
[1] The Telegraph. (2019, August 1). The history of hot air ballooning in Bristol. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/uk/articles/the-history-of-hot-air-ballooning-in-bristol/
[2] Visit Bristol. (n.d.). Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Retrieved from https://www.visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-international-balloon-fiesta/p877521
[3] Bristol Post. (2019, August 1). Bristol International Balloon Fiesta: Everything you need to know about the event. Retrieved from https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/bristol-international-balloon-fiesta-everything-3931747
[4] Bristol Live. (2019, August 1). Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2019: What time does the Bristol Balloon Fiesta start and end and when are the mass ascents? Retrieved from https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/bristol-international-balloon-fiesta-2019-what-3931749
[5] The Bristol Cable. (2020, July 29). The history of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. Retrieved from https://thebristolcable.org/2020/07/29/the-history-of-the-bristol-balloon-fiesta/
[6] Reuters. (2019, August 1). Hot air balloons ascend with Clifton Suspension Bridge in the background during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/hot-air-balloons-ascend-with-clifton-suspension-bridge-in-the-backgro-idUSKCN1VN2KN
[7] Reuters. (2019, August 1). A hot air balloon is seen on the launch site of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/a-hot-air-balloon-is-seen-on-the-launch-site-of-the-bristol-international-ballo-idUSKCN1VN2KN
[8] Reuters. (2019, August 1). A hot air balloon is visible over Keynsham, England during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/a-hot-air-balloon-is-visible-over-keynsham-england-during-the-bristol-international-ballo-idUSKCN1VN2KN
[9] Reuters. (2019, August 1). A crew inflates a hot air balloon before launch at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/a-crew-inflates-a-hot-air-balloon-before-launch-at-the-bristol-international-ballo-idUSKCN1VN2KN
[10] Reuters. (2019, August 1). A hot air balloon flight is captured over residential areas of Bristol during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/a-hot-air-balloon-flight-is-captured-over-residential-areas-of-bristol-dur-idUSKCN1VN2KN
[11] Reuters. (2019, August 1). A hot air balloon flight is captured over a car park during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/a-hot-air-balloon-flight-is-captured-over-a-car-park-during-the-bristol-international-ballo-idUSKCN1VN2KN
[12] Reuters. (2019, August 1). A dinosaur-shaped hot air balloon is present at the launch site of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/a-dinosaur-shaped-hot-air-balloon-is-present-at-the-launch-site-of-the-bristol-international-ballo-idUSKCN1VN2KN
[13] Reuters. (2019, August 1). A hot air balloon is seen flying over Ashton Court estate on the outskirts of Bristol during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/a-hot-air-balloon-is-seen-flying-over-ashton-court-estate-on-the-outskirts-of-bristol-dur-idUSKCN1VN2KN
[14] Reuters. (2019, August 1). A hot air balloon is seen flying near horses during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/a-hot-air-balloon-is-seen-flying-near-horses-during-the-bristol-international-ballo-idUSKCN1VN2KN
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has evolved over the years to incorporate more than just ballooning, offering a unique blend of outdoor-living and home-and-garden experiences through its live music, food stalls, and family entertainment. Additionally, the Fiesta serves as a celebration of Bristol's rich ballooning heritage, showcasing the city's connection to this activity that began indoors at local art shows and eventually evolved into modern hot air ballooning.
