The skies above Bristol are set to come alive once again as the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, in partnership with Albert Goodman, prepares to return to the city from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August 2025.
This free-to-attend celebration of colour, city and community will welcome over 100 hot air balloons from across the globe, all ready to take flight from the rolling hills of Ashton Court Estate.
At the heart of the fiesta lies the magic of ballooning and this year’s newly announced ballooning programme promises more spectacle, interaction, and surprises than ever before.
The first confirmed special shape hot air balloons include the eagerly awaited returns of the amazing UP balloon with Cameron Balloons, Astro the Alien with Spirit Balloons, Rupert the Bear with Bristol Balloon Collectors and Slick the Dragon with MJ Ballooning. All firm favourites with fiesta crowds and unmistakable as they drift across the city skyline. And for something special, this year, all the way from Alburquerque, the incredible 143-foot tall Oggy the Friendly Dragon will make his first Bristol appearance thanks to Indy Hot Air.
Image - Astro the Alien, Rupert the Bear and UP Balloon at Bristol Balloon Fiesta
Adding to the excitement, 2025 will introduce two brand-new ballooning features. In The Clouds invites visitors to step inside a cold-inflated balloon for an immersive audio-visual experience, recreating the sensation of being in flight with a pilot's-eye soundscape and video. While Cameron Balloons will this year takeover the arena on Saturday afternoon with a line-up demonstrating the different shapes and styles of hot air balloons they manufacture in Bristol. With commentary to educate the public on what it takes to build, manufacture, operate and fly five different styles of hot air balloons including the Sport-50, Sport-70, Sport-90, hopper and special shape balloons.
A fan-favourite is also getting an upgrade, Meet the Pilots is returning with extended sessions, and this year, visitors can get even closer to the action. 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.
Ballooning will also be celebrated across the entire site, with new interactive and creative touchpoints. Look out for the official fiesta t-shirts from Cookie Cartoonery, personalised live with on-the-spot spray painting. From iconic Bristol balloon-themed giftware by local artisans to exclusive souvenirs, every detail is designed to help visitors take home a piece of the magic.
Image - Meet the Pilots at Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2024, Credit Paul Box
When the weather allows, the spectacular mass ascents are scheduled each morning at approximately 6am and again at 6pm, painting the skies in a kaleidoscope of colour. As night falls on Friday and Saturday, the fiesta’s legendary Nightglows take centre stage, with dozens of tethered hot air balloons lighting up the arena with choreographed bursts of flame in sequence to a music soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a fiesta regular, this year's event is set to capture imaginations with unforgettable sights and interactive experiences that honour Bristol’s place at the heart of ballooning worldwide.
While the event is free to attend, tickets must be purchased in advance to use the onsite car parks, and visitors can enhance their experience through the event’s hospitality packages. This year visitors can enjoy front row seats from Sky Lounge, fine in style at the onsite Pasture Restaurant and gain launch field access to the Nightglows.
For full programme details and updates, visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
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