Entrance to the Fiesta site is absolutely FREE! A charge per day applies for vehicle parking, but you do not have to pay to enter the Fiesta. To purchase a car parking ticket in advance, please click here.
The 34th Annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes place in the Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN from the 9th -12th August.
Our mass ascents are taking place at the following times during the Fiesta:
Thursday 9th August 6pm
Friday 10th August 6am and 6pm
Saturday 11th August 6am and 6pm
Sunday 12th August 6am and 6pm
All mass ascents are weather permitting.
The famous Nightglow is so popular that there are now two! They will be held at 9.30pm on Thursday 9th and Saturday 11th August.
The Fiesta will be open from the following times:
Thursday 9th August 12.00 midday to 10.30pm
Friday 10th August 6.00am to 10.30pm
Saturday 11th August 6.00am to 10.30pm
Sunday 12th August 6.00am to 8.30pm
There will be a packed programme of events in the main arena. Please check our What's on at the Fiesta section for more details.
We also have an exciting Trade Village and Arts and Crafts marquee which offer a wide variety of stalls for you to visit.
Newer additions to the Fiesta programme include our Bandstand, Kids Zone and Sports Zone, which offer great entertainment for all the family.
Further information about all aspects of the Fiesta is available to view on our website.
The Fiesta recommends that parents and guardians write their mobile phone number on children's arms so that they can be contacted in the event of separation on site.
If you lose your child or parents, please go straight to the Lost Children facility near the Security office, where our trained staff will be able to help.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control at all times, and please remember to clean up after them.
Please also be reminded that there are fireworks following the Nightglows at 10pm on Thursday and Saturday.
Before bringing your pet to the Fiesta, please take into consideration how busy the site is as it may not be suitable for your pet.
Yes, it is permitted to have a BBQ at the event, but it must be away from large crowds.
Should your BBQ be deemed a hazard, security and site staff are authorised to extinguish them.
If you do bring a BBQ to the Fiesta, please kindly ensure that it is disposed of safely.
Unfortunately camping is not permitted on site. Please see below for a list of campsites in the area.
Camping
The following is a contact list for camping sites, caravan sites and caravan parks open to the general public during the fiesta.
CAMP SITES IN BRISTOL
Cotham Park Rugby Club
Upper arm, Beggar Bush Lane, Feyland, Bristol, BS8 3TJ
Tel: 01275 392501 Terry Robinson
CAMPSITES NEAR BRISTOL
Brook Lodge Farm Caravan and Camping Park, BS40 5RB
Tel: 01934 862311
Cleeve Camping and Caravan Site, BS49 4PJ
Tel: 01934 832798
Kingswood Farm, BA5 1BW
Tel: 01934 832798
Newton Mill Touring Centre, BA2 9JF
Tel: 01225 333909
West End Farm Caravan and Camping Park, BS24 8RH
Tel: 01934 822529
HOLIDAY CARAVAN PARKS
Baltic Wharf Caravan Park, BS1 6XG
Tel: 0117 926 8030
Brean Leisure Park, TA8 2RB
Tel: 01278 752100
Broadway House Holiday Touring Caravan and Camping Park, BS27 3DB
Tel: 01934 742610
Countryview Caravan and Touring Park, BS22 9UJ
Tel: 01934 627595
Newbridge Caravan Park, BA2 9JF
Tel: 01225 333909
Warren Farm Touring Park, TA8 2RP
Tel: 01278 751227
There is a dedicated disabled car park on site. To book in advance please follow the car park link.
Yes, the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust has made the decision to close the bridge to both vehicles and pedestrians at scheduled times over the weekend, due to the large volumes of people crossing the bridge at any one time. Please see closure times below:
· 6.00pm Thursday 9th August until 2.00am Friday 10th August
· 6.00pm Saturday 11th August until 2.00am Sunday 12th August
There will be two cycle parks available on site and their locations are shown on the site plan.
N.B. Please note that no personnel will be situated in the designated area and bikes will be left at the owners' risk.
Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN
For balloon rides, you will have to contact a Balloon Ride Operator directly. A full list is available here.
Mobility Scooters
If you would like to order a mobility scooter, please contact:
Elite Mobility
Tel: 0117 956 9955
Email: info@elitemobility.co.uk
Disabled toilet facilities are available on-site by the First Aid posts.
Here at the Fiesta we are constantly trying every year to cultivate better provision for disabled visitors. One measure is the temporary removal of speed ramps on roads throughout the Ashton Court Estate for the Fiesta in order to assist wheelchair users. We also have forward parking areas, toilet facilities and a subsidised mobility scooter hire from Elite Mobility. There is also an allocated disabled viewing area for the main arena where there will be space for disabled visitors and their carer to watch events.
There are two dedicated Fiesta shuttle bus services for 2012. The timetables can be downloaded for Balloon 1 and Balloon 2.
Unfortunately, there is no space for coach parking on the Fiesta site. You can click here for information about local coach parking facilities from Destination Bristol.