The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in partnership with Albert Goodman is now inviting schools across the region to apply to participate in the Schools Tether Roadshow as part of its 2026 community programme.
Image: Bristol Balloon Fiesta Schools Tether Roadshow
Bringing the magic of ballooning directly to classrooms across the city, ahead of the main event on the 7 to 9 August, schools can apply to host a tethered hot air balloon before the summer holidays.
The initiative, designed to complement the curriculum, will see hot air balloons set up in school fields throughout July, offering pupils the chance to get up close to a real balloon, meet pilots, and learn about the science, engineering and teamwork behind ballooning.
This year’s programme will also offer a series of interactive readings from children’s author and creator of the Betty and Toff series, Sian Hughes. Her latest book Betty and Toff vs The Puppy Snatcher is centred around a hot air balloon festival and features a thrilling balloon chase, a bold baddie and one very adorable puppy!
Launched in 2025, the Schools Tether Roadshow received an overwhelming response, with more than 400 schools applying for a visit in its inaugural year. Eight schools were selected, enabling the programme to reach over 3000 primary school students across the city. Every school that applied received a digital activity pack, ensuring all pupils had the opportunity to explore the science, engineering and creativity behind ballooning.
The Roadshow aims to make ballooning more accessible and inclusive for children across the city and create opportunities for young people to engage with one of Bristol’s most iconic events and heritage sports.
Ben Hardy, executive director, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, commented: “The response to the launch of the Schools Tether Roadshow in 2025 was truly humbling. To see so many pupils moved and inspired by a balloon visit was incredibly special. We were touched by the many stories schools shared about just how meaningful the experience was.
“None of this would be possible without our remarkable ballooning community. Pilots, crews and event staff volunteered hundreds of hours to bring the roadshow to life. Their commitment is extraordinary, and it shows how the love of ballooning can be passed on to future generations.”
The 2026 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will take place over three days from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August in the rolling hills of Ashton Court Estate. At the heart of the experience is a game of chance, whether weather conditions will allow these feats of engineering to take flight.
When conditions are right, visitors witness a display like no other. From Friday to Sunday, the central arena becomes a wash of colour at dawn, around 6am, and just before dusk at approximately 6pm for the mass ascents of around 100 hot air balloons.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, visitors can stay beyond nightfall to enjoy the Fiesta’s iconic Nightglows, where dozens of hot air balloons inflate and glow in time with a soundtrack of inspiring music by BBC Radio Bristol.
The 2026 community programme, forms part of an ambitious five-year plan to help the Fiesta soar to new heights as it heads towards its 50th anniversary in 2028, and to future-proof the event to keep the spectacle alive for generations to come.
Applications for the School Tether Roadshow are open now and close on Friday 29 May 2026. There is no fee to participate, but applicants are asked to complete the online application form with as much detail as possible regarding space available to host a balloon. All tether events will be subject to weather conditions, but the programme will offer suitable alternative arrangements if a full tether isn’t possible.
For more information and to apply, visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk.
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