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general faqs

DO I NEED A TICKET FOR THE FIESTA?

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 drive to the fiesta you will need a car parking ticket to use the car parks, this must be booked in advance and are non-refundable regardless of changes to the programme and weather. We also offer ticketed hospitality in Sky Lounge, and the onsite Pasture Restaurant. Details can be found on our hospitality page.

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CAN I BRING MY DOG? 

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!

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Can we bring our own food and drink?

While there will be food stalls and bars open over the course of the weekend, you are more than welcome to bring your own food and drink.

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Do traders accept cash and card?

Many of our traders will accept card and cash, however our bars are card only.

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Can I fly a drone at the Fiesta?

For the safety of all attendees, the use of drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is strictly prohibited at, or over the event site. An Airspace Restriction for UAS will be in place for the duration of the event. Unauthorised drone or UAS use may results in removal from the venue and legal action.

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HOW DO I MAKE A COMPLAINT?

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 visit our Complaints Policy page 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.

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TRAVEL PLANNING

Can I bring my motorhome?

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.

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CAN I CAMP AT THE FIESTA?

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!

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Where does the Shuttle Bus operate from?

The Shuttle Bus runs from Bristol Temple Meads to the Fiesta site, and stops in the Centre on both the way to and way from the event site. You can find more information here.

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Can I lock my bike up at the Fiesta?

Yes, there is bicycle parking by the Mansion House, and the Fallow Deer Park.

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WHERE DO COACHES PARK?

Due to huge demand, all coach and tour operators must register in advance to book a parking space for their coach. The Fiesta's Coach Parking facility runs on a Saturday only, and is located at Long Ashton Park and Ride. Passengers can then take a short walk to the main event site, and back after the event.

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. Please take the guidance above to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all.

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BALLOONING

WHAT IS THE BEST BALLOONING WEATHER?

Hot air balloon need specific weather conditions. While the weather can sometimes seem brilliant to us on the ground, there are many factors taken into consideration to decide whether its safe to fly. As well as ground speeds, we must be happy with the speeds at 2,000 feet, and wind gusts. Visibility, precipitation and direction are also factors to consider.

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 the wider entertainment programme and activities, and support our balloonists and traders.

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Can you let us know in advance if the balloons will take off?

The forecast gives us an indication but weather can be changeable and extremely localised. By waiting until the very last moment to make a decision we give ourselves the very best chance of flying based on the exact conditions at the time of the scheduled ascent.

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CAN I FLY IN A BALLOON?

At the Fiesta, some rides and commercial operators fly during the mass ascents. Spaces in these baskets must be booked directly with the operators themselves, a list and contact details can be found here.

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HOW DO I GET UP CLOSE TO THE BALLOONS

For safety, the launch field is not accessible by the public. However, we offer very limited tickets to access the launchfield during our Nightglows, see our hospitality page. Some of our arena programming, such as Meet The Pilots also invites public into the arena at set times throughout the event.

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accessibility

How accessible is the event?

We put provisions in place to make the event as accessible as possible. Please keep in mind that the grass pathways and areas may have uneven spots, and do get slippery when wet.

At the event you will find accessible toilets located at all public toilet blocks, and within our hospitality areas. There is also a RevoLOOtion near the event entrance which features a hoist and is fully accessible. We have also lowered bar counters on all bars, and in our hospitality areas you can ask for chairs if you require back support, and when benches aren't suitable.

We offer an accessible car park which is the closest to the event site and an accessible viewing area at the bottom of the arena, while free it should be pre-booked to ensure a space in advance of the event. Mobility scooters can also be hired, with arrangements made to meet you at entrance points around the site.

For more information please visit our Accessibility page here.

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CAR PARK Tickets

‍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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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CAR PARKING Customer Accounts

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.

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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.

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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:

• emails from boxoffice@bristolbeacon.org
• emails with the subject line “New Password”

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.

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If you have checked your inbox, spam and junk folders and there is no email from us after 5 minutes, please contact us.

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