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Europe's biggest hot air balloon event
The spectacular free event will once again feature over 100 hot air balloons taking off at dawn and dusk as well as the famous Night Glows, when the balloons light up the sky in time to a soundtrack provided by BBC Radio Bristol.
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is Europe's largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, attracting over 130 hot air balloons from across the globe. It's a sight that can only be seen in Bristol.
Alongside the fantastic sight of hot air balloons filling the skies, visitors can also expect entertainment for all the family, throughout the day including aerial displays, children’s activities and entertainment, fairground rides, delicious food stalls and bars, balloon tethering and demonstrations, model aircraft displays and a local music stage.
When and where?
Held over four days at Ashton Court Estate, the event is completely free with charges made for parking on the event site.
> Read our mini guide to the Fiesta
The fiesta begins on Thursday at midday with hot air balloons tethered throughout the afternoon and in the evening the first mass ascent takes place.
On day two on Friday there will be two hot air balloon lifts and an afternoon of balloon tethering.
Day three is Saturday and there will be more mass hot air balloon lifts and the arena entertainment will run from midday to 5pm.
The fiesta's final day on Sunday is another day full of mass balloon lifts and fun in the arena, with a programme running from midday to 5pm.
> Parking near the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Water refills
There will be various ‘refill stations’ located around the Fiesta site at Ashton Court, allowing people to refill water bottles, with the aim of reducing plastic waste. Additionally, complimentary refillable sports bottles will be available from the refill stations to anyone that forgets their bottles to use over the weekend.
Book a hot air balloon trip
Fly up, up and away in your beautiful hot air balloon in Bristol. Whether you choose to fly at the Balloon Fiesta or another time, Bristol's ballooning companies; Bailey Balloons, Bristol Balloons, and Elite Air (UK) Ltd run flights throughout the season. Choose from dawn flights or sunset flights to watch the sun rise or set in glorious colour.
How to get to the Balloon Fiesta
Car parking tickets are now live, allowing balloon-spotters to plan ahead, and this year's 45th annual fiesta will see the return of the Fiesta Shuttle Bus - allowing visitors to make their way to Ashton Court Estate with ease. Departing at frequent intervals from Bristol Temple Meads and the Bristol Bus and Coach Station on each day of the fiesta, an adult ticket will cost £5 and a Group Day Ticket (for up to five people) will cost £15 with advance tickets now on sale on the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta website.
By Bus
However, some of our regular buses can take you from the city centre to within walking distance of the event at Ashton Court. Some services will be diverted due to road closures around the event. Find out more
By Train
The closest train station to the Fiesta is Bristol Temple Meads, served by our travel partner GWR. For further information on travelling to Bristol Temple Meads with GWR visit their website.
By Bicycle
Those wishing to cycle can take ‘Festival Way’ a traffic-free path connecting the city to Ashton Court Estate and beyond. Starting in Bristol, you can use the National Cycling Route 33 which takes you on a traffic free path from Queen Square out of the city via Cumberland Road. Crossing the River Avon you join Kennel Lodge Road as you enter Ashton Court. There is bicycle parking available onsite by the Mansion House and by the fallow deer park.
On Foot
For those on foot, the main route into the Fiesta site is via Festival Way as detailed above for cyclists, or via the Clifton Suspensions Bridge. Please note that the Clifton Suspension Bridge is closed during the evening, so you will need to walk via Festival Way for the nightglows.
For more travel information around the city and surrounding area, you can visit Travelwest or First West of England
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