Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

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Europe's biggest hot air balloon event

The spectacular free event will once again feature over 100 hot air balloons taking off at dawn and dusk as well as the famous Night Glows, when the balloons light up the sky in time to a soundtrack provided by BBC Radio Bristol. 

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is Europe's largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, attracting over 130 hot air balloons from across the globe. It's a sight that can only be seen in Bristol.

Alongside the fantastic sight of hot air balloons filling the skies, visitors can also expect entertainment for all the family, throughout the day including aerial displays, children’s activities and entertainment, fairground rides, delicious food stalls and bars, balloon tethering and demonstrations, model aircraft displays and a local music stage.

When and where?

Held over four days at Ashton Court Estate, the event is completely free with charges made for parking on the event site. 

> Read our mini guide to the Fiesta

The fiesta begins on Thursday at midday with hot air balloons tethered throughout the afternoon and in the evening the first mass ascent takes place. 

On day two on Friday there will be two hot air balloon lifts and an afternoon of balloon tethering.

Day three is Saturday and there will be more mass hot air balloon lifts and the arena entertainment will run from midday to 5pm.

The fiesta's final day on Sunday is another day full of mass balloon lifts and fun in the arena, with a programme running from midday to 5pm.

> Parking near the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta