FAQS

general trading questions

‍When is Bristol International Balloon Fiesta?

Friday 7th - Sunday 9th August 2026.

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Who can trade/exhibit at the Fiesta?

Whether you run a small craft business, a food stand, a creative brand, a charity, or you have something bold and original in mind - you are welcome at the Fiesta! We're proud to support local businesses, independent traders, and people with creative ideas.

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What are the pitch sizes and costs?

We offer a range of pitch sizes and price points to suit different needs:

Market Stalls (3mx3m): ideal for arts, crafts, small businesses or charities.

Medium Trade Village Stands or Arena-Facing Stalls (6mx6m): perfect for higher visibility, with steady foot-traffic near the main launch field.

Large Activation (10m x 10m) or Premium Activation (15m x 15m): for brands or exhibitors wanting to make a statement, pull in crowds, or run large-scale activations.

Custom Space: We are always happy to discuss a custom pitch size and shape to suit your stand or activation.

For more information see our Pitch Descriptions here to help you make an informed decision.

For our 2026 Rate Card, see here.

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Where are the pitches located?

You can view our Trader Map here to understand the positions available.

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What are the opening times for The Fiesta?

Fiesta Opening Times

Friday 7th August: 06.00-23:00

Saturday 8th August: 06.00-23.00

Sunday 9th August: 06.00-20.00

Trader Opening Times

Friday 7th August: 06.00-22:30

Saturday 8th August: 06.00-22.30

Sunday 9th August: 06.00-20:00

Please note that we are flexible with trade hours, but we do ask that exhibitors trade from 10am - 6pm as a minimum. Pack down before 8pm on Sunday is not permitted.

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Application Questions

Is there a closing date for applications to be submitted?

Pitches are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. We have sold out in good time for the last few years so we recommend getting your application in early. There is a formal submission deadline of 1 May 2026. Whilst applications will be considered after this date, it is likely that all places will have been filled and the opportunity to trade may no longer available.

For more information on the key deadlines, please see the Trader Roadmap here.

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What type of businesses are welcome?

All businesses are welcome to apply. When completing the application form, you will be asked to provide more information about the nature of your stand, alongside images of your proposed stall and products.

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Are stalls only available for local businesses?

Our application process is open to everyone. However, we would love to encourage and prioritise local applicants.

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Do I need my own insurance?

You must maintain Public Liability Insurance with a reputable insurer throughout the event with a minimum limit of £5,000,000. A copy of the certificate must be supplied on application.

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Pitch Information

What type of exhibitor pitches are there?

For more information about the types of stands available, please see our pitch descriptions here.

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What type of catering pitches are there?

All catering pitches are space only and custom to your requirements. When applying for your pitch, please ensure you include all elements of the stall (structure, storage, towbars, guy ropes etc.) in the pitch depth & frontage measurements so we can accurately plot your space.

Your pitch depth must include any stock vans, fridge/freezer trailers, prep tents etc. We mark the pitches out exactly to the measurements given here due to the limited space onsite.

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How big are the stands?

There are a variety of exhibitor pitch sizes, starting from 3m x 3m. All pitch descriptions can be found here, and more information on size and prices can be found within the application form too. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss custom pitch sizes, please contact info@bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk.

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Are the spaces covered?

No - all exhibitor and caterer pitches are space only and require your own infrastructure and cover. We do not provide any structures.

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How will you allocate the space?

As a team, we will do our best to allocate applicants to the site space they request, though there is no guarantee. Pitches are allocated on a first come first serve basis and are subject to availability.

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Can I have my stock van behind my pitch?

There is no space for stock vans behind exhibitor pitches. There is sometimes space behind Catering Banks 1, 2 & 3 however this is not guaranteed and must be confirmed by the organisers at time of booking. All other Catering Banks do not have space for stock bans. All other vehicles must be parked in the exhibitor car park.

When submitting your application, your pitch depth must include any stock vans, fridge/freezer trailers, prep tents etc. We mark the pitches out exactly to the measurements given here due to the limited space onsite.

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How will I restock my stand?

Restocking times are 0800-1000 daily and vehicle movement will be permitted to re-stock stands as long as the site team deem it safe to do so. Site Management has the right to prohibit vehicle movement if and when needed. outside of these times, all vehicles must be out of the main event site and parked in the exhibitor carpark.

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Am I responsible for my space?

You are responsible for keeping your space tidy and clear of rubbish. The space should be maintained and returned to us as you found it.

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Payment Information

What is the payment process to secure my stand space?

Once accepted, Exhibitors will receive an invoice for the full amount with the payment date 30 days from issue.

Caterers are required to pay a £250 deposit per stand to reserve the space, payable within 30 days of being accepted. The balance will then be an additional 30 days from the issue of the remaining balance invoice.

For more information on payment terms, please see the read the Terms and Conditions below.

Exhibitor Terms & Conditions

Caterer Terms & Conditions

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How can I pay for my stand space?

Invoices & payment links are processed by Stripe & you will receive these via email.

If you wish to pay your stand fee via BACS you must clearly reference your company name when paying and send proof of payment to info@bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk. Bank details will be included within invoice.

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Additional Extras Information

Will I get trader wristbands and vehicle passes?

Each pitch will receive 1 vehicle pass and 4 trader wristbands provided as standard. Additional passes can be purchased if required. If requested within the application form, they will be included within your trader pack upon arrival. Alternatively, more can be purchased upon your arrival to site.

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Can I camp or bring my caravan?

We are very lucky that Ashton Court Estate allows the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta to run an exhibitor campsite. The campsite is open from 8am Monday 3rd August to 5pm Monday 10th August. The campsite will be equipped with toilet and shower facilities, a water point and sanitary and rubbish disposal. Power will not be supplied. Please order your camping or caravan pitch at the time of application. Alternatively, more space can be purchased upon your arrival to site. Please see below for the cost options.

£60.00- 1 x Camping Pitch (6m x 6m)

£100 - 1 x Caravan Pitch (8m x 8m)

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Can I have power to my camping or caravan pitch?

On the application form, you can request power to your caravan or camping pitch at an additional cost. This is subject to availability and will be confirmed if accepted to trade. Power will only be switched on during the live show days. Please see below for cost options.

16 amp single @ £150.00 + VAT

2 x 16 amp single @ £300.00 + VAT

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What if I need power for my exhibitor or caterer pitch space?

Power requirements can be requested for pitches within the application form. Please ensure you outline your power requirements correctly at time of application.

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Can I bring my own generator?

No - there are no personal generators allowed. If you require power, house power must be purchased and used at all times.

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How much does power cost?

Twin 13-amp power - £195 + VAT

16-amp power - £265 + VAT

32-amp single phase power - £380 + VAT

32-amp three phase - £685 + VAT

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When will power be turned on for traders?

Power will be set up and turned on starting from 5pm Thursday 6th August. Please note, the power team will be working their way round the site as quickly as possible, however, it is not guaranteed that you will have power fully fitted at any specific time.

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Do I need a Street Trading Licence?

Yes - North Somerset Council has formally adopted Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 with regards to street trading within its area. This means that anyone selling, or exposing, or offering for sale of any article (including a living thing) in any street needs a street trading consent. In this legislation a "street" is defined as: Any road, footway, beach or other area to which the public have access without payment. A service area as defined in section 329 of the Highways Act 1980, and also includes any part of a street. As the Balloon Fiesta is free to enter and the area of land at Ashton Court falls within the North Somerset Council administrative area, any trader at the event will need to apply for a street trading consent. Exemptions apply to Stall that are not selling anything e.g. charities and promotional material.

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How much is a Street Trading Licence?

£75 + VAT per unit

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Other Questions

Will I receive a more information ahead of arriving onsite?

Yes. We will send a Trader Handbook ahead of the event, containing all information needed for the event. These will be issued once payment has been made and we have confirmed receipt. The Trader Handbook includes information on the access to site, availability of site facilities and key timings for the event.

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How will I receive my trader packs & passes?

You can collect your trader packs & passes from the Fiesta reception upon your arrival to site.

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Can I sell alcohol?

You are not permitted to sell alcohol for consumption on the site without our prior written permission. Please explicitly state in your application if you are a bar unit and exactly what products you are selling, along with imagery.

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Can I sell off-sale alcohol?

To sell off-sale alcohol, including gift sets including alcohol, you require our prior written permission, and will also be required to apply for a Temporary Event Notice with North Somerset Council prior to the event. It is your responsibility to apply for and display the TENS notice on your stand. Without this, you will not be permitted to trade.

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Can I put music on my stand?

Amplified music and PA systems are not permitted without our prior written permission.

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Can I use any packaging?

Bristol Balloon Fiesta is committed to achieving high environmental and sustainability standards. From October 2023 a range of polluting single-use plastics have been banned in England. By law you must agree to not using any such single-use plastics whilst trading at Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

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Are there any restricted items?

Yes - ice cream, sweets, inflatables and slush drinks, alcohol are restricted items and are only to be sold by selected traders onsite at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. All other traders are prohibited to sell such items. Toy Weapons or Guns are also not permitted.