Night Glow
Day Launch

Fiesta News

Catch all our latest news here:

Dates for 2011 Fiesta confirmed

18 Aug 2010

 Next year's Fiesta will take place from the 11th to the 14th of August 2011. Keep checking back here over the next twelve months for more.........

Read more

A big thank-you from everyone at the Fiesta!

18 Aug 2010

We would like to thank everyone who attended the 2010 Fiesta and helped make it such a success. Despite the challenging weather conditions at the beginning of the weekend, this year's event ended on a real high with over 50 hot air balloons taking to the skies on Sunday evening to thrill the crowds at the Ashton Court Estate. Half a million visitors flocked to the site during the four days, with Milka's Saturday Night ...

Read more

Balloons will fly

15 Aug 2010

We are pleased to announce that there will be some balloons in the skies above Bristol this evening. For those of you watching outside of Ashton Court Estate they will head in the direction of Bristol Airport...

Read more

The Fiesta is now full

15 Aug 2010

The car parks and the event is now at full capacity. We're afraid that we can't accommodate any more people. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to seeing you next year...

Read more

Looking up for Sunday afternoon

15 Aug 2010

The sun is breaking through the clouds, the temperature is rising and we?re counting down the final hours before the Red Arrows display at 16:30. We?re currently optimistic about a mass ascent this evening and looking to fill the skies of Bristol with hot air balloons once again. We'll update you again later this afternoon. Come down and enjoy the final day of the 2010 Fiesta with a packed arena schedule including; Model air balloons, ...

Read more

Sunday 15 - Mass ascent update

15 Aug 2010

Unfortunately the mass ascent this morning has been cancelled due to poor visibility and strong winds. We?ll still have some colourful sights as the balloons will tether in the main arena. The weather is improving by the hour and we are expecting to see some great sights in the sky this evening and great visibility for the Red Arrows display at 16:30. ...

Read more

Night Glow to go ahead

14 Aug 2010

Even though the balloons won't fly this evening we're set for a great Night Glow with a party vibe! Don't forget your glow sticks...

Read more

Saturday 14th - Evening Mass Ascent Update

14 Aug 2010

Unfortunately the mass ascent has been cancelled due to poor weather. However the rain is expected to clear and we are now looking forward to a great Night Glow and fireworks later. The weather for tomorrow (Sunday) is expected to vastly improve and we can?t wait to litter the Bristol skyline with hot air balloons and witness a thrilling Red Arrows display. ...

Read more

Evening Update - Saturday 14th

14 Aug 2010

The nightglow will be going ahead at 9.30pm. The pilot meeting takes place at 5.30 to decide if the mass hot air balloon ascent will be taking place. More updates to follow...

Read more

Morning update- Saturday the 14th

14 Aug 2010

The rain may have stopped this morning's mass ascent but it certainly won't dampen our spirits at the Fiesta. Clearer conditions are winging their way towards us as we speak so there's no reason not to come on down and join in the fun. We have a packed schedule of arena events later on this morning, as well as over 250 trade stalls for all the family to enjoy. We're still hoping to stage the ...

Read more

Friday 13th - Mass Ascent Update

13 Aug 2010

Unfortunately, the mass ascent this evening has been cancelled due to a band of rain forecast making it unsafe for the balloons to fly. The morning is looking slightly drizzly but there will be a pilot briefing as planned to assess the possibility of a mass ascent.  From tomorrow afternoon onwards there is an encouraging outlook for the rest of the Fiesta weekend...

Read more

Mass ascent greets early-risers

13 Aug 2010

The first crews are now returning from this morning's mass ascent, which filled the Bristol skies as the fun at the 2010 Fiesta continues. If you're already up and about then watch out for us today on BBC, GMTV, Sky and local news. A further mass ascent is scheduled for 6pm tonight, so check back here for updates later...... ...

Read more

Special Shapes Launch

12 Aug 2010

Just to confirm the special shapes will tether but not fly. Some round balloons will still fly and the Bristol Belle will tether...

Read more

New cycle route will get bikers to the Balloon Fiesta

11 Aug 2010

Yesterday saw the launch of phase one of Festival Way, one of the latest Cycling City paths in Bristol, which provides cyclists and pedestrians with easier and safer access to all Ashton Court events including Bristol's Balloon Fiesta. This new link will form part of an almost completely traffic-free route that takes cyclists and pedestrians from Queen Square via the harbourside, along the 'chocolate path' to the Create Centre, across Ashton Avenue bridge,  along the ...

Read more

Fiesta curtain raiser sees heads turn skywards

10 Aug 2010

With excitement building before Thursday's opening, ten balloons took off yesterday from the heart of Bristol to raise the curtain on the 2010 Fiesta. Visitors to College Green witnessed a hive of activity as the participating teams inflated their balloons in front of the historic setting of the Cathedral and the Council House before the early morning ascent. Amongst the balloons on-show was the 'Bristol Belle', the first modern hot air balloon in Western Europe, ...

Read more

Back to top

If you have any queries regarding this year's Bristol International Balloon Fiesta please call our visitor information team:

0906 711 2191

Calls are charged at 50p per minute including VAT

To download a copy of the Fiesta map click here.