The Fiesta is free and unticketed, which is a key part of the ethos of the event. It’s accessible to all! If you would like to bring a car to the fiesta you will need a car parking ticket - these are non-refundable regardless of changes to the programme and weather.
Due to the logistics of parking hundreds of vehicles of different shapes and sizes, we do not allow caravans and large motor homes in the Balloon Fiesta car parks (if you have a standard car/van size camper that’s just fine!). There is no overnight parking allowed in the carparks.
This year there is no official campsite at the fiesta. We would recommend looking for a campsite nearby to Ashton Court to enable you to walk into the Fiesta each day and to enjoy the balloons overhead as you eat your breakfast!
Due to huge demand, all coach and tour operators must register in advance to book a parking space for their coach. Booking is free via the online ticketing system, detailed below. Space is limited and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Full directions and location will be confirmed upon booking. The fiesta coach park will be clearly signposted on approach and is approximately 7-8 minutes walk from the main event arena (fully sign-posted). If this facility is sold out, coach operators are requested to drop-off in designated spaces in Bristol City Centre and passengers can walk to the fiesta site. Coaches must then park at the Bristol Fruit Market parking facility before picking up again in the City Centre after the event. Please note: In recent years a number of unsafe and extremely dangerous drop-off and pick-up manoeuvres have been witnessed by the organisers of the fiesta, Highways Authorities and Avon and Somerset Police. The organisers of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta want to ensure the safety of all visitors to this great, iconic event. Therefore all coaches and tours must book a space at the fiesta’s new Coach Parking facility, located at Long Ashton Park and Ride (passengers will walk from this site to the Fiesta arena/back after the event). Non-compliance with parking, dropping off and picking up passengers may result in prosecution.
Dogs are welcome at the fiesta however due to a busy site we ask that you please keep them on the lead and pick up any dog litter. Some dogs are also scared of hot air balloons as well!
Hot air balloons need very specific conditions to be able to fly which includes low wind. Many other factors also effect our ability to fly. The decision is made by our flight team at 6am and 6pm each day at the event and is announced in the arena and on our social media channels shortly afterwards. The event will go ahead regardless of weather so please do head down to enjoy the other activities at the event and support our traders.
We are committed to providing an enjoyable and safe experience when you visit the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. When something goes wrong, we need you to tell us about it. This will help us to improve our standards. Making your complaint If you have a complaint, please complete the form here. We aim to respond to all complaints within 21 days from receiving them. Information submitted via this form is held by Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Limited under the provision of the General Data Protection Regulations. We will not pass your details on to any other organisation.
Why have my car park tickets been issued by Bristol Beacon?
Bristol Beacon is the official Bristol International Balloon Fiesta ticketing partner. All car parking, Sky Lounge and shuttle bus tickets are issued by Bristol Beacon.
I’ve purchased car park tickets, where can I find them?
Check your spam folder for an email from boxoffice@bristolbeacon.org. You can also view and download your purchased e-tickets at anytime by logging into My Account.
Where does the shuttle bus depart from?
Shuttle busses depart from Bristol Temple Meads train station and go directly to the Fiesta site. Return journeys depart the Fiesta site and return to Bristol Temple Meads.
Is car parking included with Access Viewing Area or Sky Lounge tickets?
No, car park tickets are not included with any Sky Lounge or Access Viewing Area tickets. If you wish to travel by car, you will need to buy a car parking ticket.
What does “cmsn” mean and why am I being charged?
“Cmsn” is an abbreviation of commission. Commission is applied on top of the ticket price.
Where does the shuttle bus depart from?
Shuttle busses depart from Bristol Temple Meads train station and Bristol Bus and Coach Station and go directly to the Fiesta site. Return journeys depart the Fiesta site and return to Bristol Temple Meads.
How do I login to my account?
Login to your customer account here.
If you are a new customer, you can register an account with us.
If you have an existing Bristol Beacon account, you can login using your existing account email and password.
I’ve forgotten my password
You can reset your password via our login page.
Click the link with text “Forgotten your password? Rest here” and follow the steps to create a new one.
Please check your spam/junk folder for password reset emails from boxoffice@bristolbeacon.org.
I have not received a password reset email
Password reset emails should be delivered within a few minutes of requesting. Sometimes our forgotten password emails get diverted to spam and junk folders. Please check your email inbox and spam folders for the following:
The password reset link in the email is valid for 12 hours. If you have problems using the link, a temporary password is also included in the email. You can use this password to enter into a ‘Temporary Password’ field on the Forgotten Password page.
If you have checked your inbox, spam and junk folders and there is no email from us after 5 minutes, please contact us.
