FAQS

When is The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta?

10th – 13th August 2023

Is there a closing date for applications to be submitted?

Applications are on a first come, first serve basis. We anticipate a high demand, so recommend getting your application in as early as possible!

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 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!

What are the pitch prices?

Catering

Band 1 - £3,950 plus VAT

Band 2 - £2,750 plus VAT

Band 3 - £1,650 plus VAT

Stands

Premium Arena - £5,200 plus VAT

A Stand - £3,100

B Stand - £2,250

C Stand ( no pre-pitched) £1,200

D Stand - £650

Market Stalls - £400

Free standing – price on application

Will I get trader wristbands and vehicle passes?

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

Important timings for the event –

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.

When will power be turned on for traders?

Power will be set up and turned on starting from 5pm Wednesday 9th 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.

Where/when can I collect my trader packs?

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


How Big are the stands?

There are a variety of different stand and pitch sizes on offer. The smallest is 3M x 3M. All Pitch sizes and prices are detailed within the application form with further information.

Are free standing spaces covered?

Market stalls and trade stands are covered, however the free-standing spaces require you to provide your own infrastructure and cover.

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 subject to availability.


Will I receive a trader, exhibition, concessions handbook?

Yes. Trader packs will be provided with all information needed for the event. These will be issued once payment has been made and received.

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.

How do I make payment for my application?

If your application is successful, and invoice and payment will be processed to confirm the pitch.

Can I sell alcohol?

A separate bar concession contract is already in place, and so you are not permitted so sell alchohol for consumption on the site.

Can I sell off-sale alcohol?

To sell off -sale alcohol, you require our prior written permission, will also be required to apply for a Temporary Event Notice prior to the event.

Can I apply as an independent bar?

Yes, please apply as a bar unit.

Will I need to supply my own gazebo?

You are only able to bring a gazebo if you are applying for a free-standing place. You will be required to submit detailed information on the type of gazebo and plans on how you will weigh it down, this needs to be included in your risk assessment.

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

What if I need power?

Power requirements can be requested for pitches within the application form.

Can I put music on my stand?

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

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 will be banned in England. We will be implementing this ban across our event site in advance of the national ban later in the year. You must agree to not using any such single-use plastics whilst trading at Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

Do I need a 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.