About four years ago I found out about Bristol International Balloon Fiesta by chance. I was flipping through an old travel book about the best weekends in the UK and the Bristol hot air balloons was one of them. We made plans to visit in 2020 which wasn’t to be. After three years of waiting this weekend just gone, we finally made it to see the balloons for the first time. The question is after three years of waiting did it live up to expectation? Well in truth… partly. I do think that everyone should try and see it at least once. But I also think there are some things you need to know if you are planning on visiting the Balloon Festival in Bristol. This is how we got on at our first Bristol balloon fiesta.
Where is Bristol Balloon Fiesta?
Bristol Balloon Fiesta is located in the beautiful grounds of Aston Court Estate which is around a ten-minute drive from Bristol town centre. Located on the outskirts of the city. The large 850-acre deer park is open to the public all year round and when the balloon fiesta is not on. The festival takes place in the middle of August each year.
How to get to Bristol Balloon Fiesta?
We decided to drive to the Fiesta at Ashton Court Estate and I booked an early bird ticket for the blue car park which is the closest to the fiesta site and arena. More about parking below. In years that have gone by I think that there use to be a shuttle buses which would take you from locations across the city to the venue. This was not running in the year we visited with the normal bus timetable not starting early or finishing late enough to be of any use.
The alternative is to park closer to the fiesta and walk in. This is okay if you are a local and know where the best places to park are. We were coming from out of town and walking from our Premier Inn would have taken over an hour. Which was not feasible with the timings of the balloons. Plus some of the roads are busy, especially with Fiesta traffic. Although a specific traffic-free pedestrian route called Festival Way had been set up to avoid the traffic. This was also suitable for cyclists.
Driving to Bristol Balloon Fiesta – be aware
During the balloon festival in Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is closed or at least operates for reduced hours. This is because of concerns about the potential structural impact that increased footfall may have on the bridge. Since it is an excellent viewpoint to catch the balloons flying over the city. Although necessary the diversions which are put in place to manage traffic flow are frustrating at best. It took us over forty minutes to do a ten-minute (google maps) trip following the diversion signs as recommended to get from central Bristol to the blue car park. With an early start at 5 am we spent a lot of the journey thinking w were going to miss the morning mass ascent.
On the way back it was over an hour and a half from leaving the Fiesta. Although in part this included getting out of the car park. The stewards directing traffic could probably do with some more training. But the diversions again turned a ten-minute journey into a forty-minute one. There is nothing that can be done. But if you are aiming to get to the Fiesta for a particular time or event then you need to take this into consideration. After all, there is nothing worse than leaving the hotel at 5 in the morning and missing the first ascent on the premise that the diversions take so long.
Parking at Bristol Balloon Fiesta
You do not need to buy general admission tickets for Bristol Balloon Fiesta Events. Instead, you just need to pay for parking if you require it. There were two main car parking lots/options for visitors to the balloon festival in Bristol. Unless you are a blue badge holder in which case there are parking spaces in a different more accessible car park. The options are blue and red. Blue is much closer than Red which is around a twenty-minute walk. We found it only took about five minutes to get into the arena area from the Blue car park when we visited. Although we did arrive early and were towards the front end of the blue car park right in front of the mansion house.
Booking our car park ticket well in advance meant that I benefited from an early bird discount. With a booking fee (£1.60) and a transaction charge (£1.00), it cost £18.60. The full price of the blue car park is £29.70 and the red car park is £22.00. Logistically both car parks close at various points in the day. When we visited the blue was advertised to close at 3 pm and the red at 5 pm. However, both of these were extended on the day.
About a week before the event I was sent an email which had my parking ticket on it. This provided a QR code for scanning. One thing to note is that once you are in the car park if you leave you can not re-enter. This makes it an incredibly long day for the children, and adults. If we were to visit again I would definitely give some thought to how we managed this better. Perhaps avoiding the paid car parks altogether and parking locally with the short walk.
Is Bristol Balloon Fiesta Free?
Yes, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta is free. Seeing the Bristol hot air balloons is one of the largest free events in Europe. It is only the parking areas which you need to pay for. We found that for the majority of the day that it did not get too busy. This could be because of the heat. Although come the late afternoon the hot air balloon festival really started to fill up. And by the time the Night Glow was setting up it was hard to spot a free space around the arena.
How many balloons are in the Bristol Balloon Fiesta?
As we had so much time to kill in between the balloons we brought a programme. Inside there are pictures of the different balloons which are flying. As well as the detail about the history of the festival there are some details on specific balloon companies such as Cameron Balloons and Bristol Balloons. Who is a big balloon manufacturer in Bristol and made the much loved ‘UP’ balloon. There were 90 balloons in total in the programme, although some of them were pictures of differently shaped model balloons. I think I was expecting more special shape balloons than we saw. Instead, they tended to be the traditional upside-down teardrop shape. Not that this distracted from the harmony of the ascent and we did see a few shaped ones. Such as a dog, wolf and sheep that were tear-dropped shapes but with an ad on. But all beautiful hot air balloon.
What time do the balloons go up in Bristol?
When we visited the Fiesta, the four-day spectacle Thursday morning through to Sunday morning. Each day in theory the Bristol hot air balloon ascends at 6 am and 6 pm weather permitting. Only when we visited due to the heat and the thermals the early evening flights were not possible. As the thermals mean that the balloons can become different to manage. The same would happen in windy weather conditions. Unfortunately, this is just part of ballooning. We have been on a couple of hot air balloon rides and they often got cancelled due to the weather even though it seemed perfectly fine to the layperson.
With this in mind if you really want to see the Bristol hot air balloons then I would definitely recommend making the effort to go to one of the first mass launch of the day. Especially if the forecast is hot as that first flight maybe your only opportunity to see them. We had temperatures of 30-33 degrees. Because of the nature of the weather, they may not know until a couple of hours before if the balloons will fly. So if you are planning on visiting keep an eye on social media where announcements are made.
What is there to do at Bristol Balloon Fiesta?
As well as seeing the mass ascents, there are various other things which take part in the arena throughout the day. Although when we visited not all of the arena entertainment actually happened. Some which did were late and did not keep to the published itinerary at all. Which is annoying when you end up spending all day waiting for the Night Glow thinking that there would be enough to keep the kids entertained.
When actually there wasn’t enough children’s activities. It is also possible to book a hot air balloon ride and passenger flights. If you want to be part of the mass ascensions then you will need to contact the individual balloon companies well in advance. This is something we would definitely consider doing when the kids are older or if we visit for a second time. As much as the balloon ascents are amazing it would be even more so if you were taking part in the main event which comes at an additional cost.
Ballooning Arena
During our visit, there were two highlights in the arena during the day. This was the Broke FMX leading motorcycle display. Where the rider performed stunts and jumps. Much to the crowd’s delight. And the paragliders who jumped out of a helicopter and came racing down into the arena followed by a plume of red smoke. They were also excellent. We also had a Great Western Air Ambulance land which the boys could go and look at. As well as some model planes. Unfortunately, the lunchtime tethering of balloons in the launch field did not happen due to the wind direction. Although we did see a few early evening. And the inflation race did not happen for the same reason. As good as the bike and paraglider were we actually came for balloons so it would have been nice to see them.
Kids Entertainment
There was Pip and Posie who did a meet and greet over at their stand with some activities throughout the day. But in all honesty, it was far too hot for us to stand around. Some of the trade stands had also put on themed activities for the kids and we spotted a play tent next to the stage.
Musical Entertainment at Brizzle Kicks Stage
From lunchtime onwards, there were various live music acts and foam parties for the kids. The boys did try out their dance moves at a safe distance in the shade but neither could be tempted to get involved in the foam parties.
Traditional Fairground Rides
Also in the kid’s area, there were a few traditional amusement rides. Ride tickets were not cheap. £3 for one heater skelter ride is probably the most expensive I have seen at these sorts of events. As we wandered around we heard several parents telling disappointed children that they couldn’t go on the rides. Thankfully we managed to convince Harry that a model plane which we could play with was a much better option. Best £5 we have ever spent since it happily kept him occupied for most of the day.
The Fair & The Wheel
As well as the older rides there was a fairground that sat between the blue car park and the arena. We didn’t look at this was it was very late by the time we left. But I would imagine that the prices are similar. There is a wheel set up in the main arena, I would imagine views across the balloons when they are taking off are amazing being that bit higher up. Tickets were £8 for an adult, £6 for a child or £24 for a family.
Bouncy Castles
There were three sets of bouncy castles and slides set up. Although the heat meant that they were not that popular with kids only really going on them late afternoon. Price wise it was £5 for 5 minutes, although we found that they actually let you stay on longer. Bring long sleeves as we saw a number of children with quite bad friction burns from the plastic.
Shopping and trade stalls
There were a few at the balloon festival in Bristol, although not as many as I expected. The larger brand names had put on small activities for the kids. But to be honest it was so hot we didn’t really explore these much. After all, there are only so many £5 knock-off sunglasses you need. There were a couple of balloon stalls. Such as Bailey Balloons and the iconic Virgin Balloon where you could find out details on booking hot air balloon lifts and Virgin balloon flights.
The Sky Lounge
I thought about booking tickets for the sky lounge as it afforded good views, and offered shade and activities for the children. It is open for three different sessions with a break in between to allow for cleaning etc. It adds a great deal of cost to a free day out, the day session that would have cost us £80 for a family of four. Having not visited before I wasn’t sure what to expect.
In the end, the tickets sold out before I made a decision. If we return I would not bother with tickets for the morning ascent as it is not anywhere near as busy as at other times. I would think about if for the daytime on the basis that it potentially entertains the kids. Although I am not sure what activities they had on offer. I probably wouldn’t for the famous night glows either on the basis we had a great viewpoint from where we were. I am not sure you would get the same from the sky lounge.
What are food and drink options like at Bristol Balloon Fiesta?
There are so many different types of street food and food stalls available onsite to choose from. Being there all day and not having the foresight to bring a picnic from home. Not that it is very feasible when staying in a hotel we sampled several of the food stalls. Pricing is not cheap and it did appear that the trades have got together and fixed prices. So that you pay the same for a sausage bap across the venue. Expect to pay around £5 for a bacon butty and £6 for a sausage bap. And think probably more frozen aisle than artisan.
Those that did appear to be more artisan were charging prices which are similar to pub prices for wraps and what is essentially a kebab. Although I did find a lovely stall selling different quiches, sausage rolls and savoury pastries with a massive portion of fresh salad towards the end of the day for £10. And that was very good and could have fed two of us easily.
There seemed to be much more choice of food outlets in the green viewing area compared to those in the yellow viewing area.
I was also impressed to see that there were free water filling stations on both sides of the arena. Expect to pay £2-3 for a coffee or soft drink. There are several bars scattered around, a beer or cider is £5.
Bristol Balloon Fiesta Night Glow
If you do one thing when you visit the Bristol Balloon Fiesta then the Night Balloon Glow has to be it. Which this year was on Thursday night and Saturday night. You could really tell it was the most popular event as the arena started filling up around 5 pm and by the time the Bristol hot air balloons came on at 9 pm, it was heaving. Chasing the shade we headed over to the yellow viewing area and took up position on the front of the hill. Although this is probably the furthest point from any food stalls or bar.
But it does give you good views of the colourful hot air balloons being laid out ready as you are slightly elevated. We also saw a couple of tethered up. Although as we were at the end of the arena it did mean that you do not get such good views of the balloons at the other end. But for us it was the best place to view the spectacle as it was quieter for the kids.
The night glow is when the pilots light up their balloons in a specific order to music, the balloons line up down each side of the arena. It is choreographed which means the pilots light up in different ways either doing short sharp blasts or long holds. The show was very good and lasted a good 40 minutes. With a little surprise at the end. This year because it’s been three years in the making there was also a tribute to Bristol and its achievements. Watching them light up the night sky was really special.
Top tips for a successful visit to the balloon festival in Bristol
Keeping up to date
Follow Bristol Balloon Fiesta’s social media channels for the most up-to-date information about the Bristol hot air balloons. As they do regularly update as they go along with flight cancellations and car parking closures etc. While you are there the BBC Radio Bristol provides the compaire and gives you updates throughout the day about the balloons. Shame more was not done on the missed arena events. It is also worth checking out the weather forecast before you leave to make sure you know what to expect.
Road closures
Leave plenty of time for road closures. Thankfully the morning ascent when we visited was running late otherwise we would have missed it. In fact, the whole schedule was wrong according to their website not one thing happened on time.
Lack of shade
The park is a great venue for balloons but by definition, there is very little cover. If you have an umbrella or a beach tent then it is worth bringing it with you. We just about managed to stay in shade for most of the day and out of the extreme heat. But that was more through luck than judgement. In theory, you are not meant to put up umbrellas and shelters in the green viewing area. But there were a lot on the day we visited due to the heat.
A long day
If you do what we did and arrive at 6 am for the morning ascent and plan to see the night glow at 9 pm then it’s a long day for the kids. With not that many family activities unless you want to go bankrupt on fairground rides and bouncy castles. As we found some shade the boys enjoyed playing cards, colouring, reading and their £5 planes from one of the stalls. If we were to visit again we would not stay for the whole day and instead spend time exploring Bristol in-between the balloon flights. Although we would have to try to work out parking better. But then it is a free event other than the parking.
Cash & card
Have cash on you for things such as the bouncy castle but we found all the food stalls took contactless. If you can bring a picnic and save yourself a fortune on food. Don’t forget your water bottles to fill up at th water stations.
Loos
Porta loos are never a joy, especially when they have been in the sun all day. But we found that the ones at the Fiesta were very clean and remained so for the whole day. Plus they were well stocked with paper and hand sanitiser. Impressive since it is a four-day event.
Leaving the venue
Be prepared to take your time when it comes to leaving. Walking to the car parks is mainly in the dark. The ground is uneven. Then actually getting out of the car park takes a long time. Worth putting PJs in for the kids if you can transfer them straight to bed.
Related Blog Posts
If you have enjoyed this article and are considering visiting Bristol city centre. You may also be interested in reading about Our Visit to Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Which we also visited during our weekend away.
Have you been hot air ballooning or to any balloon events? Are you heading to this year’s fiesta? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
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One Response
Such a spectacular occasion I would love to pay a visit and as my granddaughter doesn’t love too far way I will make a big effort to visit next year. Of course it was great that you had brilliant weather this year