Bristol history with hot air balloons spans all the way back to the 1960s.
Seeing a flotilla of hot air balloons bobbing around the sky is quite a sight. They're vibrant, colourful, and can be enjoyed while having two feet firmly on the ground. There's been a rise in hot air balloon-related activities over the last few years, with everything from the Balloons and Beats Festival taking place across the UK to The Grove's Feast on Cloud 9 dining experience.
And if you're from the South-West - or love a good road trip - then you're in luck. A hot air balloon festival is heading back to Bristol for its 47th year - and it's completely free. Here's everything you need to know about the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2025
What Is The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta?
Despite being widely known as a famous arts and music hub, Bristol is also often referred to as the 'ballooning capital of the UK'. The first ever hot air balloon was constructed in the city (called the Bristol Belle) in 1967. It's also home to Cameron Balloons, a world-leading manufacturer in the industry.
But then came the first ever Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, debuting in 1979 and firmly solidifying the city as Europe's ballooning capital. There's set to be more than 500,000 people attending the event this year and over 100 balloons floating around the skies over the August weekend.
What's On The Programme For The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta?
A lot of balloon-themed action is squeezed into the three-day Fiesta. Here's what to expect:
- More than 100 hot air balloons will take to the sky (weather permitting)
- Stunt displays
- Marching bands
- Interactive challenges
- Meet and greet with the pilots
- Live music from Brizzle Kicks
- Nightglow - a magical display of glowing balloons set to the music from BBC Bristol
- A balloon fiesta first: visitors can climb into a cold-inflated balloon to recreate being on a flight
Plus so much more.
Here's a taster of the hot air balloon designs:
- Green aliens
- Dragons
- Rupert the Bear (no longer flies)
- A screwdriver
- Disney's 'Up' balloon
- Slick the Dragon
- Astro the Alien
- Oggy the Friendly Dragon - a 140ft balloon making its fiesta debut
Where Is The Bristol international Balloon Fiesta?
Here's the location: Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Avon, Bristol BS41 9JN
When Is The Bristol international Balloon Fiesta?
The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is taking place from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th August.
How Much Is It To Attend The Bristol international Balloon Fiesta?
The Fiesta is completely free to attend. However, as it's a non-for-profit organisation, they do charge a parking fee that goes towards the upkeep of the festival. This starts from from £12.50 for motorbikes, and £16 for cars. They also sell hospitality tickets for as little as £10, which gives you access into the VIP Sky Lounge area.
More information can be found on the Bristol International Balloon Festival Website.
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