6 min readThe curtain has officially been raised on the 2026 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in partnership with Albert Goodman, this morning, as a spectacular balloon ascent from College Green, supported by Bristol Business Improvement District marked the countdown to the world-famous event.
With just two weeks to go, the skies above Bristol offered a preview of what’s to come, with hot air balloons floating over the city’s skyline this morning.
Now in its 48th year, Bristol’s iconic, free-to-attend event will return to Ashton Court Estate, with thanks to the support of Bristol City Council for use of the land, from Friday, 7 August to Sunday 9 August to celebrate the city and its heritage links to the remarkable world of hot air ballooning.
As ever, the event remains free to attend and will feature a wide array of activities both in the air and on the ground. Over 100 hot air balloons are expected to take part in this year’s mass ascents, scheduled for early morning and early evening each day, weather permitting. These spectacular launches are the heartbeat of the Fiesta, as balloons of all shapes and sizes from across the UK and Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Germany, Mexico and the USA rise over Ashton Court Estate at sunrise and sunset.
Every launch will be tracked live by Flight Control in partnership with GWR. From the edge of the launch field, a giant screen will track every balloon in real-time, from lift-off at the Fiesta all the way to landing. Wherever the wind takes the balloons, audiences will be able to follow the journey live on site and online via the Fiesta website.
This year’s programme brings more ways than ever for visitors to experience the Fiesta, with live balloon tracking, hands-on arena activities, family entertainment, immersive heritage displays, science and engineering challenges, partner activations and food and drink experiences across Ashton Court Estate.
The main arena will be at the heart of the daytime programme, transforming into a free, interactive activity zone on Friday. Step Into the Arena will feature circus workshops, rugby and football activities with Bristol Sport, a canine circus and entertainment for all ages.
Visitors will also be able to meet balloon pilots, climb into baskets, watch model balloon displays and see tethered balloons, weather permitting, alongside arena highlights including displays from the RAF Falcons Display Team and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypasts, the Police Dog Display Team and The Rockets Motorcycle Stunt Display Team
Beyond the arena, Ashton Court will become a temporary playground for visitors of all ages. The returning In The Clouds experience will invite audiences inside a cold-inflated hot air balloon for an immersive light, film and sound sequence celebrating Bristol’s ballooning heritage, while the Moon Stage will open each day with family yoga from Go With the Flow Yoga and readings by children’s author Sian Hughes before becoming a live music hub curated by BIMM Institute Bristol.
Families will also find dedicated entertainment throughout the site, including the NIVEA Family Stage Area and Brizzle Kicks Stage, hosted by returning favourites Party Peeps, with daily children’s entertainment ranging from magic shows and foam parties to dance-offs and prize giveaways. NIVEA will bring sun safety to life through high-energy challenges inspired by the latest TikTok trends, while official charity partner Young Bristol will host an interactive family space with its pioneering Youth Club on Wheels and an instructor-led climbing wall.
New for this year, the Fiesta Family Zone will offer free activities and entertainment for all ages from 8am to 6pm daily. Set within a large, covered area, the zone will bring together programming from some of the South West’s best-loved attractions, including Puxton Park, The Grand Pier, Wookey Hole Caves, Longleat, Cheddar Gorge and Caves, The Jane Austen Centre and AirHop Adventure and Trampoline Parks.
Next to the new area, the Fiesta will welcome The Pony Farm Bus, which uses hands-on workshops to show children how food is grown, encourage food literacy and promote healthier lifestyles in a fun and memorable way.
Elsewhere across the site, visitors can take part in a wide range of partner activations, from RAF activity and BBC Radio Bristol’s Beat the Buzzer challenge to photo opportunities with a DeLorean from Back To The Future The Musical ahead of its arrival at Bristol Hippodrome this October. The Thatchers Balloon Bar will also featue, bringing balloon-themed cider service and live DJs every afternoon from midday. The James Dyson Elevation Hub will invite visitors to test their engineering and science skills through a series of hands-on challenges designed exclusively by Dyson engineers.
The expanded special shapes line-up features beloved classics, recent favourites and new additions, including Slick the Dragon, Adelaide the Koala, Simbaloo the Lion, Wallace & Gromit’s Moon Rocket, Dolly the Sheep, Astro the Alien, Astrina the Alien, Smiley Scarecrow, Daisy the Cow, Slither the Snake, Wera Screwdriver, Wes the Wolf, Panasonic Battery, Football, Johnny the Panda and a brand new yet to be announced special shape. Historic special shape balloons, which will tether in the main area include BBC Globe, Thomas the Tank Engine, Ordnance Survey Map, Piggy Bank, Ralph the Roziere, Dalarna Horse and the Orient Express.
As day turns to night, the Fiesta’s magic continues. On both Friday and Saturday evenings, visitors are invited to stay for the iconic Nightglow. Dozens of tethered balloons will light up in sync to a special musical soundtrack curated by BBC Radio Bristol, creating a luminary dance that has become a defining feature of the event.
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2026 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of ballooning, local culture, and community spirit. With its mix of aerial spectacles, family activities, music, sports, and interactive exhibits, there's truly something for everyone at this year’s iconic Bristol event.
This year’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta would not be possible without the support from event partners. Thanks must go to Albert Goodman, Butcome, Thatchers, GWR, NIVEA, Chery, Bristol City Council, SLX, Cab IT, REM Events, Bristol Business Improvement District, BBC Radio Bristol, The James Dyson Foundation, Cameron Balloons, Grandir UK, The Motorhome Holiday Company, Party Peeps, BIMM University, Woven Films, Whats On Bristol, Stagecoach, CMC Marquees, Bristol Marriott Royal, Leonardo Hotels and The Waiting Game
For more information and details of the full event programme, visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk.
For those planning to drive to the event, car parking, in partnership with official car partner, Chery, must be booked in advance, through Fiesta’s website, https://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/car-park-tickets.
Stay up to date with the latest news by following the Fiesta’s social media channels. Follow @bristolballoon on Instagram, X, and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook for the latest news and updates.
