The events will bring ballooning directly to classrooms across the city
Hot air balloons will visit schools across Bristol(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
Schools across the region can now apply to be part of this year’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Schools Tether Roadshow.
The iconic summer festival, which sees hundreds of hot air balloons take to the skies from Ashton Court Estate each year, will be launching a new scheme this summer to get local schools and communities learning all about the wonderful world of hot air ballooning.
Part of the 2025 community programme for this year’s fiesta, the Schools Tether Roadshow will be bringing ballooning directly to classrooms across the city ahead of the main event on August 8-10.
Schools can apply to host a tethered hot air balloon before the summer holidays.
The initiative is described as having been designed to ‘complement the curriculum’ and will see hot air balloons set up in school fields throughout July, offering pupils the chance to get up close to a real balloon, meet pilots, and learn about the science, engineering and teamwork behind ballooning.
The aim of the roadshow is to make ballooning more accessible and inclusive for children across the city and create opportunities for young people to engage with one of Bristol’s most iconic events and heritage sports.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta press launch 2024(Image: Inaz Hussein)
Fiesta executive director Ben Hardy said: “Our community programme continues to be a key part of our mission to bring ballooning to communities across Bristol.
“The School Tether Roadshow aims to capture the imagination of children, teachers and parents alike – and we can’t wait to inspire the balloonists and engineers of the future.”
Applications for the School Tether Roadshow are open now and close on Friday, May 30, 2025.
There is no fee to participate, but applicants are asked to complete the form with as much detail as possible regarding space available to host a balloon.
All tether events will be subject to weather conditions, but the programme will offer suitable alternative arrangements if a full tether isn’t possible.
To find out more and to apply via the official Bristol International Balloon Fiesta website, visit here.
Hot air balloons take to the sky early this morning, Saturday 10 August 2024, on the second day of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court. just over 60 balloons lifted off and made their way north over the city. PHOTO:PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach Plc)
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which is this year partnered with Albert Goodman, has confirmed the return of its charity partner for a second consecutive year, Love Squared.
The Bristol-based charity provides SEN and mental health support, education and mentoring to children and young people across Bristol and the South West.
Mr Hardy added: “We’re also thrilled to welcome back Love Squared, whose work in our city is nothing short of life changing.”
The 2025 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will take place at Ashton Court Estate from Friday, August 8, to Sunday, August 10.
As well as six scheduled mass ascents (if weather permits), the event will have two Night Glows taking place consecutively on Friday and Saturday evening.
The 2025 community programme, of which the Schools Tether Roadshow is a part, forms part of a five-year plan to help the fiesta ‘soar to new heights’ as it heads towards its 50th anniversary in 2028, and to help secure the future of this iconic Bristol event for generations to come.