About Us
The iconic Bristol International Balloon Fiesta returns in 2025 between 8 - 10 August for its 47th year!
This is a free to attend, three-day event that celebrates the city and its heritage links to the remarkable world of hot air ballooning, featuring over 100 hot air balloons from across the globe.
Read our guide to this year's fiesta
The first confirmed special shape hot air balloons for this year include the UP balloon, Astro the Alien, Rupert the Bear and Slick the Dragon. And this year, all the way from Alburquerque, the incredible 143-foot tall Oggy the Friendly Dragon will make his first Bristol appearance!
Meet the Pilots is returning with extended sessions, where visitors can step inside the arena for a hands-on tour of how a balloon is prepared for flight, jump into a real basket, try out a burner blast, and take the ultimate ballooning selfie with a balloon team.
Step inside a cold-inflated balloon for immersive audio-visual experience In The Clouds, which recreates the sensation of being in flight, with a pilot's-eye soundscape and video.
The event is free to attend but as a not-for-profit organisation Bristol International Ballooon Fiesta do charge for car parking to help cover operational costs.
Event highlights
Meet the Pilots
Chat to balloon crews and learn more about their high-flying adventures.
Live entertainment
The weekend will include displays from Rockets Children’s Motorcycle Display Team, model aircraft demonstrations, historic balloon displays, model hot air balloon parades, demonstrations from Avon and Somerset Police Dogs, and a showcase from Bristol-based balloon manufacturer Cameron Balloons.
Special balloons
This year's special shapes line-up includes the beloved UP balloon, Thomas the Tank Engine (tether only), Astro the Alien, Rupert the Bear (tether only), Slick the Dragon, Wallace & Gromit Moon Rocket, Buster and Bella The Bulldogs, Snow White (tether only), Ordnance Survey Map (tether only), Panasonic Battery (tether only) and the BBC Globe (tether only). It's also the Bristol debut for Oggy the Friendly Dragon, flying in from the US.
The Night Glow
An experience like no other. Watch as dozens of balloons light up in time to a soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol on Friday and Saturday night.
Moon Stage
Watch live music performances throughout the weekend from fresh local talent, curated by BIMM Institute Bristol.
Brizzle Kicks Stage
Enjoy daily children’s entertainment, ranging from magic shows and foam parties to dance-offs and prize giveaways.
Love Squared Family Tent
Head to the colourful tent for a mix of creative activities, including arts and crafts, face painting and hair braiding. Adults are invited to take on a cycling challenge to help raise funds for the charity’s community work.
Dine with Pasture
Bristol-founded restaurant Pasture returns to the event with a premium dining experience to the heart of the action. Their ticketed restaurant overlooking the main arena will be serving up a curated menu, or for a more casual option, try grab-and-go dishes from PRIME,adjacent to the main tent. Reservations can be made in advance via the Balloon Fiesta website.
Daily programme
Friday
Start your weekend on Friday 8 August, and witness over 100 hot air balloons take to the skies in two stunning mass ascents, weather permitting at dawn (approx. 6am) and dusk (approx. 6pm). The main arena will be buzzing all day with balloon-themed fun, stunt displays, marching bands, and more. As night falls, don't miss the breathtaking Nightglow — a magical display of glowing balloons set to music from BBC Radio Bristol.
Saturday
Spend your Saturday at the Fiesta on 9 August, with the skies set to fill with over 100 hot air balloons in mass ascents at dawn and dusk, weather permitting. From interactive challenges and tethered balloons to live music and family fun, there’s something for everyone. Cameron Balloons will take over the arena on Saturday afternoon with a line-up demonstrating the different shapes and styles of hot air balloons they manufacture in Bristol. Round off the day with the spectacular Nightglow — as dozens of balloons light up in time to a soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol.
Sunday
Wrap up the Fiesta weekend on Sunday 10 August, with our final day of twice daily mass balloon ascents filling the sky with colour, weather permitting. Enjoy a packed day of entertainment, including Meet the Pilots, stunt displays, and live music on the Brizzle Kicks and Moon Stages.
Book flights at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta:
Travel Advice
By Train
For visitors coming from further afield, Fiesta goers can travel by train with GWR. The closest train station to Ashton Court Estate is Bristol Temple Meads, which is served by the Fiesta Shuttle Bus to easily plan direct onward travel to the Fiesta. Learn more about taking the train to the Fiesta
By Shuttle Bus
In partnership with Stagecoach, a Fiesta Shuttle Bus will run between Bristol Temple Meads, Queen Square (Prince St, Stop Q2) and Balloon Fiesta, to transport visitors directly to and from the event.
The service will run on Friday from 10.00am until 9pm to the Fiesta, and from 10.30am until 11.30pm back to Bristol Temple Meads. On Saturday, the service will run from 10am until 9pm to the Fiesta, and run return journeys from 10.30am to 11.30pm. On Sunday, the service will run from 10am until 7pm to the Fiesta and return journeys will operate from 10.30am until 9.30pm.
To ensure you secure your spot, we strongly recommend booking your shuttle bus tickets in advance, which can now be booked via www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
By Car
For those planning to drive, car parking, sponsored by GoSkippy, must be booked in advance.
From those planning to attend a morning mass ascent, both the Blue and Red Car Parks open from 5am. The Blue Car Park is the closest car park to the Fiesta site, just a short walk from the main arena. The Red Car Park is the main public car park and there is a walk downhill to get to the Fiesta site, entering at the top of the arena. Disabled and motorbike parking is also available, accessed via Orange Gate. Last entry to all car parks is strictly 5pm.
There will be various road closures and diversions in place to keep traffic moving around the site during the event, so drivers are urged to follow traffic signs, rather than sat navs.
By Taxi
Visitors arriving by taxi should ask their driver to follow the road signs to the designated drop-off/pick-up location at the Long Ashton Park and Ride point. This location is a short walk from the event site. Please note that this area is only operating as a drop-off/pick-up point during the Fiesta, and you will not be able to park your vehicle here.
By Bicycle
Cyclists can take the 'Festival Way,' a traffic-free path connecting the city to Ashton Court Estate and beyond. Starting in Bristol, cyclists can use the National Cycling Route 33, which takes them on a traffic-free path from Queens Square out of the city via Cumberland Road. Upon crossing the River Avon, you join Kennel Lodge Road as you enter Ashton Court.
Bike parking is available on-site by the Mansion House and the Fallow Deer Park. Please note that these routes are shared with pedestrians and can get busy so please ride carefully and dismount as you arrive into the site.
On Foot
For those on foot, there are two main routes into the Fiesta site from Bristol City Centre: via Festival Way or the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Festival Way, Route 33 on the Cycle Route Network, offers a scenic walk from the city centre. Please note these routes are shared with cyclists so take care during busy periods.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
As in previous years, the Clifton Suspension Bridge will be closed to all pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles between 6pm and midnight on Friday 8 August, and Saturday 9 August.
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta offers a unique and breathtaking experience. Each day, the central arena will showcase a vibrant display of hot air balloons at dawn (approximately 6 am) and dusk (approximately 6 pm), weather permitting. On Friday and Saturday nights, the Fiesta's famous Night Glows will light up the sky as dozens of balloons glow in time to music, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
During the day, the event spans across the scenic countryside estate, featuring entertainment, activities, food and drink stalls, trade stands, and exhibitions. Even if weather conditions prevent balloon flights, there are numerous opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of ballooning, including In The Clouds, an immersive attraction featuring a cold-inflated hot air balloon that visitors can step inside, complete with a soundscape replicating the experience of pilots in flight.
Join us for a weekend of awe-inspiring sights and family-friendly activities. While the event is free to attend, charges apply for onsite car parks and hospitality packages to enhance your experience.
For more information and to book your travel arrangements, visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk.
FAQ
Do I need to book tickets for the Balloon Fiesta?
The event is free and unticketed for everyone. If you would like to bring a car to you will need a car parking ticket - these are non-refundable regardless of changes to the programme and weather.
Where can I pick up the shuttle bus?
The Fiesta shuttle bus runs from Bristol Temple Meads station and Queen Square in the City Centre (Prince Street, Stop Q2) to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court Estate. This service runs from 10:00am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with return journeys running until 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 9.30pm on Sunday. Tickets for the Shuttle Bus service are available now.
Is it possible to walk to the Balloon Fiesta from Bristol City Centre?
There are two main routes into the Fiesta site; via Festival Way or via the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It takes approximately an hour to walk to Ashton Court Estate from Bristol City Centre, or around 40 minutes from Clifton Village.
Where can I park?
Car parks will be clearly signposted on all routes into the Fiesta - all car park tickets must be purchased in advance and are single entry only. Disabled parking is available via the Orange Gate, which is the closest parking to the launch field. A Disabled Blue Badge Parking Permit will be required to park within this area and the permit holder must also be present. Please note that Bristol operates a Clean Air Zone. This may affect your journey to the Balloon Fiesta.
Can I bring my dog to the Fiesta?
Dogs are welcome at the event, however it can get very busy so please keep them on the lead and pick up after your dog.
Is there a map of the Fiesta site?
You can view a site map here, which shows car park locations, viewing areas, toilets and food & drink.
Useful links:
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is sponsored by South West accountacy firm Albert Goodman.
