About

The iconic Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a free to attend, three-day event that celebrates the city and its heritage links to the remarkable world of hot air ballooning. 

For the 9-11 August, the rolling hills of Ashton Court on the outskirts of the city of Bristol are home to a temporary playground of entertainment, and a stage set ready and waiting for over 100 hot air balloons to take flight. 

At the heart of the experience of this unique event, is a game of chance – will these majestic hot air balloons take flight. 

With mass ascents of over 100 hot air balloons scheduled twice daily, visitors have the chance to see the compact central arena awash with a rainbow of colour at dawn (approx. 6am) for a peaceful morning song, and at dusk (approx. 6pm) to mark the closing of the day before the start of evening celebrations.  

During the day, a programme of entertainment, children’s activities, fairground rides, traders, exhibitors, and food stalls and bars allow visitors to experience the magic of ballooning and this unique day out.

On Friday and Saturday, visitors can stay beyond nightfall to experience the event’s infamous Night Glows. When after dark, dozens of hot air balloons inflate, and use their burners to glow in time to a soundtrack of inspiring music by BBC Radio Bristol to bring the party atmosphere and the crowd to their feet.  

WHEN AND WHERE?

This iconic free event has been a steadfast in the UK’s event calendar for almost five decades, taking place on the second weekend in August, this year from Friday 9 to Sunday 11.

 The city of Bristol plays the best matched host as the birthplace of ballooning in Europe, and now the capital of the sport worldwide. 

Held in the rolling hills of Ashton Court Estate, with the incredible backdrop of city views, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol’s winding harbour.

The event is free to attend, with tickets required to park on the event site, and for those wishing to enjoy the event’s hospitality packages. 

Sky Lounge

This private enclosure provides the perfect space to enjoy an early morning ascent away from the crowds, with access to a private bar, free pastry and toilets. The Sky Lounge features perfect picnicking and garden seating areas, as well as access to Wi-Fi and a small area with children’s activities.  All Sky Lounge tickets are valid for a specified slot, even in cases where the balloons do not fly. Book your slot here

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How to get to the Balloon Fiesta

By the Fiesta Shuttle Bus

This year's 46th annual fiesta will see the return of the Fiesta Shuttle Bus - allowing visitors to make their way to Ashton Court Estate with ease. Departing at frequent intervals from Bristol Temple Meads and the Bristol Bus and Coach Station on each day of the fiesta. Tickets will be available soon on the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta website.

By Public Bus

Some of Bristol's regular buses can take you from the city centre to within walking distance of the event at Ashton Court. Some services will be diverted due to road closures around the event. Find out more

By Train

The closest train station to the Fiesta is Bristol Temple Meads, served by our travel partner GWR. For further information on travelling to Bristol Temple Meads with GWR visit their website. 

By Bicycle

Those wishing to cycle can take ‘Festival Way’ a traffic-free path connecting the city to Ashton Court Estate and beyond. Starting in Bristol, you can use the National Cycling Route 33 which takes you on a traffic free path from Queen Square out of the city via Cumberland Road. Crossing the River Avon you join Kennel Lodge Road as you enter Ashton Court. There is bicycle parking available onsite by the Mansion House and by the fallow deer park.

On Foot

For those on foot, the main route into the Fiesta site is via Festival Way as detailed above for cyclists, or via the Clifton Suspensions Bridge.

By Car

Ashton Court is situated to the south-west of Bristol city centre. Directions to the car parks are signposted from all routes into the fiesta and can be found on your print at home ticket. All Car Park tickets must be purchased in advance and are single entry only. Tickets are non-refundable even in cases where the balloons do not fly. You can purchase car parking tickets here.

There are various road closures in place around Ashton Court Estate during the event so please follow the traffic signs, even if you feel you are heading away from your destination. This ensures the traffic moves and gets everyone home in the fastest way possible.

For more travel information around the city and surrounding area, you can visit Travelwest or First West of England