Four mass ascents, over 300 balloon flights, two awe-inspiring Nightglows, all over one incredible weekend meant that the 2025 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in partnership with Albert Goodman, encapsulated everything that makes Bristol a ballooning capital.
From Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August, set within the rolling hills of Ashton Court Estate, hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the picturesque location which became a temporary playground of entertainment, with the launch field acting as centre stage for the showpiece balloon events each day, when weather allowed.
Image: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2025
And thankfully, for the hordes of spectators, the weather, for the most part, was on side, with four mass ascents out of six dominating the skies of Bristol and beyond. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning, as well as evening, onlookers from Ashton Court and the city of Bristol were left captivated as the inflatable icons took flight.
On Friday and Saturday, thousands of visitors stayed late to experience the visual spectacular that is the Nightglow. Soundtracked by BBC Radio Bristol, each night 25 balloons were expertly choreographed to light up in time to the music, illuminating not only Ashton Court Estate, but the living rooms of thousands more streaming on BBC iPlayer.
On the closing day, beyond the two mass ascents, the afternoon saw the introduction of Special Shapes Sunday with firm favourites Thomas the Tank Engine, Snow White, Sonic the Hedgehog, Wallace & Gromit’s Moon Rocket and Slither the Snake tethered in the arena.
Ben Hardy, Executive Director of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, said: “As we close the 47th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, we’re reflecting on this year’s theme - Beyond the Horizon - and I can confidently say we’ve not only reached that horizon but have gone far beyond it.
“Together, we’ve delivered four incredible mass ascents, two breathtaking nightglows, and welcomed our new title partner, Albert Goodman. We’ve hosted hundreds of thousands of visitors, worked with over 30 sponsors and 12 partners, and introduced new activities that have sparked excitement, including In the Clouds, our immersive balloon experience, and the Flight Control live landing tracker.
“This year, memories were made, and Bristol was united in its shared love of hot air ballooning.”
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, now in its 47th year, has continued to stay true to its ethos of remaining free to attend for all. Now in year two of a five-year strategy to protect the viability of the event, this year’s Fiesta has celebrated the theme ‘Beyond The Horizon.’ The Fiesta will now look towards pushing the event to new boundaries and inspiring excitement and ambition with the ‘Sky’s The Limit.’
The revitalised mainstay has received incredible support from sponsors and partners, including a new headline sponsor coming on board. Leading South West accounting and financial planning firm, Albert Goodman, were in the first year of a three-year partnership deal.
Robin Clempson, Partner at Albert Goodman, commented on the first year of the partnership: "This year, watching hundreds of balloons take off over the city reminded me why the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of the South West's most cherished events.
"As a firm rooted in this region for over a century, we understand how special this region is, and how rare it is to find events that genuinely unite entire communities. The Fiesta does exactly that, bringing together families from all over the South West, first-time visitors and seasoned balloon enthusiasts, all sharing the same sense of joy and pride.
"While there have been months of preparation, nothing quite matches the reality of standing in Ashton Court at dawn. For Albert Goodman, we’re proud to support the Balloon Fiesta, to ensure future generations can experience those same moments of joy, wonder and awe we witnessed this weekend."
This year also saw the introduction of two new interactive additions to the programme. ‘In the Clouds’, which invited adventurers to step inside a cold-inflated hot air balloon. While inside the balloon envelope, a film, light and soundscape celebrated Bristol’s rich heritage and connection to the world of hot air ballooning.
The second new attraction, ‘Flight Control’, in partnership with GWR, has enabled visitors to see where the balloons have landed after taking off from the event’s launch field. Following each flight, the map updated as pilots logged their landing locations, highlighting the reach of the event beyond Ashton Court Estate.
The 47th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has been kindly supported by Albert Goodman, Butcombe, Thatchers, GWR, Go Skippy, Triangle Networks, SLX, CAB IT, Richmond Event Management, AMBITIOUS, Bristol City Centre Bid, The James Dyson Foundation, The Motorhome Holiday Company, Cameron Balloons, Origin Workspace, Party Peeps, Woven, BIMM University, What’s On Bristol, Stagecoach, Hotshots Entertainment, Marriot Bristol Royal, Delta Hotels, Leonardo Hotels, Tequila Flora, WildJac, Boe, Tommy’s Fizz, Clifton Hotels, and The Bristol Hotel.
Beyond balloons, the event programme spanned across acres of the countryside estate, offering entertainment, activities, food and drink, trade stands, and exhibitions.
For more information or to make a donation visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk and follow @bristolballoon on Instagram, @bristolinternationalballoonfiesta on Facebook, and @bristolballoon on X.
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