After months of rain and grey skies and barely a glimpse of sunshine, Bristol’s familiar balloons tethered this morning to announce the outline programme for the 2026 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, in partnership with Albert Goodman.
Representatives from the Fiesta’s partners celebrated this year’s Bristol-focussed programme, which will once again transform Ashton Court Estate into a temporary playground. The free-to-attend event will take place from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August.
The news comes after the not-for-profit event secured stability last November 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 and the event’s delivery partners.
Ben Hardy, executive director, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta commented: “After a long winter, we are excited to start the countdown to the Fiesta, announcing our initial plans for this year's event.
“A huge thank you must go to our headline partner, Albert Goodman, who have fully embraced both the event and the spirit of ballooning with the reveal of their new balloon today. Bristol’s passion for ballooning is as strong as ever, and we’re hugely grateful.”
As ever, the Fiesta’s signature mass ascents are at the heart of the programme, which see up to 100 hot air balloons take to the skies at dawn (approximately 6am) and dusk (approximately 6pm) daily, weather permitting.
Details of the 2026 balloon line-up, including the ever-popular special shapes will be revealed in the coming months. However, one new addition made its debut appearance this morning, with headline partners, Albert Goodman revealing their new balloon, built by Cameron Balloons.
Robin Clempson, partner, Albert Goodman, commented: “We are so excited to enhance our sponsorship of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta with the launch of our new Albert Goodman balloon, handmade by Cameron Balloons in Bristol. We are looking forward to our bright pink balloon taking the skies at the Fiesta and across the South-West in what we hope will be a summer full of sunshine.”
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, added: “Hot air balloons have long been a defining feature of Bristol’s skyline, and the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta brings this tradition to life each year. I’m delighted we’re able to continue supporting this brilliant event, and I look forward to spotting some of our much-loved balloons on the horizon again soon.”
Image - Bristol Balloon Fiesta
The events famous Nightglows will once again return on Friday and Saturday evenings. After dark, dozens of hot air balloons inflate, and use their burners to glow in time to a soundtrack of inspiring music produced by BBC Radio Bristol.
In The Clouds will also return enabling visitors to step inside a cold-inflated hot air balloon, regardless of weather, and be captivated in an immersive experience as film, audio and lighting tell the story of the history of ballooning in Bristol, and the magic of flight. The exhibit is delivered in partnership with SLX, CMC Marquees, Cameron Balloons and BBC Bristol.
For those in search of culinary delights, Bristol-founded restaurant Pasture returns with a premium ticketed dining experience overlooking the main arena, serving up a curated menu in a relaxed, seated environment. For a more casual option, their PRIME concept will offer grab-and-go dishes adjacent to the onsite restaurant, and from Sky Lounge, the event’s hospitality area.
A new addition for 2026 will also see the Pony Farm Bus, a joint project by The Pony restaurant and food distributor Arthur David, make one of its debut event appearances. The converted double decker bus will teach visitors about food provenance and offer food related workshops over the event weekend.
The James Dyson Foundation will return to run the Elevation Hub, inspiring the next generation and offer visitors the chance to get hands-on with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities and challenges and engage with Dyson engineers.
Live acoustic music will fill the Moon Stage throughout the weekend from emerging local talent, curated by BIMM Institute Bristol. Meanwhile, the younger crowd can head to the Brizzle Kicks Stage, hosted by returning favourites Party Peeps, where they’ll find daily children’s entertainment ranging from magic shows and foam parties to dance-offs and prize giveaways.
Now in its 48th year, this iconic event has been a steadfast in the UK’s event calendar for almost five decades. The city of Bristol plays the best matched host as the birthplace of ballooning in Europe, and now the capital of the sport worldwide.
The event remains free-to-attend, but visitors are encouraged to support the not-for-profit Fiesta by using official ticketed car parks or upgrading their visit with hospitality packages. Car parking, Sky Lounge, Shuttle Bus and Pasture tickets are now available from the Fiesta website at www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
For the latest news and updates follow the Fiesta’s social media channels, @bristolballoon on Instagram, X and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook.
Related
Comments
Comments are disabled for this post.
