accessibility
8th - 10th August 2025
THE FIESTA SITE
The Fiesta takes place in the rolling parkland of Ashton Court Estate, where most of the park is grassland. There are however several smooth tarmac roads and we do install some temporary pathways to make it easier to navigate.
We want everyone to have an enjoyable day, but we understand that navigating the parkland can pose challenges for those with mobility needs. It's important to note that wet weather can soften the ground, making navigation trickier.
Therefore, we hope the following information, and additional services we put in place, make it easier for you to plan your visit and help make your experience as smooth as possible.
MAPS AND CONTACT
You can contact us with any enquiries you may have about your visit by telephone, email or via social media. We will provide a site map for the 2025 event, which we will publish here in due course.
ACCESS to the site
As you make your way to the main Fiesta Arena, you'll find that the pedestrian entrance from the Accessible Car Park leads you along a grass path. For those coming from the Red Car Park, the pedestrian entrance is via a gently sloped tarmac road. Circling the main arena site is a combination of pathways and temporary trackway.
Please keep in mind that the grass pathways may have uneven spots, and they can get slippery when wet. For those needing a comfortable spot to watch the festivities, our accessible viewing area is situated at the bottom of the main arena. Details of how to book access to this area can be found below.
ACCESSIBLE CAR PARK
Our closest parking option is via Orange Gate, offering the fastest access to the main arena. A Blue Badge Parking Permit will be required to park within this area and the permit holder must also be present. Car Park Tickets must be bought in advance via our website.
MOBILITY scooters
The Bristol International Balloon is proud to be partnering with Advanced Mobility, who will be providing electric scooters and manual wheelchairs for the use of disables, elderly and mobility impaired visitors at this year’s Fiesta.
This year, Advanced Mobility will serve all entrances to the event site. When you book you just need to provide the detail of either which car park, or pedestrian entrance you will be arriving by and the team will transport your scooter or wheelchair to that gate ready for your arrival.
To reserve an electric scooter or manual wheelchair, you can book online on the Advanced Mobility website by following this link. Alternatively, you can call 01274 297777.
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS/AREAS
There are accessible toilets located at all three public toilet blocks on site, and within our hospitality areas, namely Sky Lounge and the onsite Pasture restaurant. There is an additional disabled toilet located in the stables courtyard behind the mansion.
There is also a RevoLOOtion on site near the event entrance which features a hoist and is fully accessible.
We have lowered bar counters on all bars on the event site, in all public and hospitality areas, and in our hospitality areas we will have spare chairs if you require back support, and are benches aren't suitable. Please do ask for help from event staff if you require assistance.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide dogs are welcome on site.
ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREAS
The accessible viewing area is positioned at the bottom of the arena and offers a great view of the balloons during the mass ascents and the nightglow. However the arena itself is a natural amphitheatre and the viewing area on either side of the arena lends itself to those with accessibility requirements.
Due to demand, access to the dedicated accessible viewing area should be pre-booked. Each ticket allows access to one disabled person and one carer. During quieter times, we will allow families into the viewing area but please be aware if it gets busy we will need to restrict access to the ticket holder and one carer. Proof of eligibility may be requested on site.
This area is free of charge but tickets must be pre-booked: purchase accessible tickets here.
Accessible Balloon Flights
During the Fiesta you can join one of the Fiesta's passenger balloon operators and take off from the festival site. Ballooning Access offer wheelchair accessible balloon flights. To purchase a flight in a hot air balloon please contact them directly. Contact details for all operators can be found on this page.
