The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has announced the dates of the 48th edition of the iconic free event, which will take place on 7 to 9 August 2026, returning to Ashton Court Estate.
While still recovering from its financial challenges, the not-for-profit event has secured stability thanks to a new partnership agreement with Bristol City Council, granting use of Ashton Court Estate for the foreseeable future.
The Fiesta’s viability has also been underpinned by significant support from the region’s business community, particularly its headline partner, accountancy firm, Albert Goodman and long-term support from Thatchers, Butcombe, GWR and the event’s delivery partners.
As the Fiesta’s 2025 Impact Report was published, a memorandum was signed by Don Cameron, founder and director of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and Cllr Tony Dyer, leader, Bristol City Council to grant permission for the Fiesta to continue to use Ashton Court Estate until at least 2030.
Since its founding year in 1979, the Fiesta has taken place at Ashton Court Estate. For almost five decades, the Fiesta has worked closely with the Council to grant use of the land every August to stage the free-to-attend event.
As well as celebrating the event’s civic contributions, the Fiesta’s 2025 Impact Report also revealed that for the first time in years, the event made a small in-year profit. As a not-for-profit organisation, run by a voluntary board, the surplus will reduce aged debt.
Don Cameron, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, commented: “Funny thing about humble beginnings, they have a habit of growing into something remarkable! When we first came up with the idea of hosting a balloon meet in Ashton Court in the seventies, we were simply wanting to bring some balloonists together to have a bit of fun. To see it now, woven into the fabric of our city, is humbling beyond words. It has become part of all our stories, a gentle triumph that we now have a social and economic responsibility to protect.
“My thanks go to Cllr Tony Dyer, and the council for granting us the continued use of Ashton Court Estate, which has unwittingly become one of ballooning’s global capitals. Equally thanks must go to our sponsors, and every visitor and supporter – you have all helped turn a simple idea into something extraordinary.”
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, commented: “It’s undeniable that the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has played a significant role in shaping our city’s global reputation for the past few generations. It sits proudly amongst the highlights of Bristol’s world-renowned events calendar, a showcase for our city’s heritage of ingenuity, enterprise, and curiosity. I’m delighted to have been able to work with Don and his team to secure the use of Ashton Court for the foreseeable future. Whilst the value of the Fiesta to our local tourism and social economies is significant, equally as important is the inspiration the event sparks in many of the children and families who visit each year.”
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a not-for-profit event, run by a voluntary board to celebrate the remarkable world of hot air ballooning and its heritage connection to Bristol, while promoting the region. Every year the event generates all required revenue independently, without receiving any public sector funding.
In 2024, the event implemented a new five-year strategy to reduce its deficits but also invest in innovations that enhance the visitor experience, extend community engagement, and safeguard the event’s future.
The 2025 Impact Report celebrated the progress the new strategy has made including:
- Strengthening the celebration of ballooning by introducing new event features including In the Clouds, Flight Control with GWR, an extended Meet the Pilots programme and Special Shapes Sunday.
- Introducing the Fiesta’s first Schools Tether Roadshow, taking the joy of ballooning out into communities across the city, visiting over 3,000 school children.
- Creating 153 full-time equivalent jobs annually and offering internships in event management and communications.
- Firmly putting Bristol on an international stage, achieving global media exposure and a strong social media presence, while attracting visitors to the city from around the world significantly contributing to the city’s visitor economy.
As part of the plans in the lead up to the event’s 50th anniversary in 2028, the Fiesta is committed to continue to revitalise this cherished institution and invites businesses, partners, and brands to get in touch to further develop the programme. Interested parties have the chance to join the fabric of the event, to protect its future and the significant impact it has on the region’s visitor economy and international profile.
The 2026 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will take place from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August, maintaining the three-day format.
Car parking and hospitality tickets for 2026 are now available online, from the events website www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk ,where the full impact report can also be viewed.
For the latest news and updates follow the Fiesta’s social media channels follow @bristolballoon on Instagram, X and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook.
For more information visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
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