The full programme of events has been unveiled
Oggy the Friendly Dragon is coming all the way from Albuquerque to make his first ever appearance at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta this August(Image: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta)
The full programme of events has been announced for this year’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court Estate.
The event, which is a staple in the Bristol calendar every summer, will this year be held in partnership with its first official headline sponsor for several years – Albert Goodman – and will take place from Friday, August 8, to Sunday, August 10.
The free-to-attend event will this year welcome more than 100 hot air balloons from across the globe and will, if weather allows, include six mass ascents across the weekend, as well as two Night Glows which will take place on the Friday and Saturday night.
Today (Friday, June 20) organisers have confirmed the full events programme, including some special shape appearances from as far as Albuquerque.
The incredible 143ft tall Oggy the Friendly Dragon will make his first Bristol appearance all the way from the New Mexico City, which is also famed for its balloon fiesta). Oggy will join firm favourites including the UP balloon, Astro the Alien, Rupert the Bear and Slick the Dragon.
In addition to this year’s balloon line-up, the 2025 Bristol Fiesta will introduce two brand new ballooning features.
You’ll be able to step inside the envelope of a hot air balloon this summer
In The Clouds will invite visitors to step inside a cold-inflated balloon for an ‘immersive audio-visual experience’, recreating the sensation of being in flight with a pilot’s-eye soundscape and video.
Meanwhile, Cameron Balloons will this year take over the arena on Saturday afternoon with a line-up that demonstrates the different styles and shapes of hot air balloon they manufacture right here in Bristol. Commentary will help educate the public on what it takes to build, manufacture, operate and fly five different styles of hot air balloons, including the Sport 50, Sport 70, Sport 90, hopper and special shapes.
One fan favourite experience, which debuted at last year’s festival, will also be getting an upgrade this year. Meet The Pilots is returning with extended sessions this time round, and now visitors will be able to get even closer to the action.
Participants will be able to step inside the arena for a hands-on tour of how a balloon is prepared for flight. They’ll also be able to jump into a real basket, try out a burner blast, and take the ‘ultimate’ ballooning selfie with a balloon team.
This year’s event promises to be even more interactive and educational and, sticking with that theme, ballooning will also be celebrated across the festival site, with new interactive and creative touchpoints.
There will be personalised official fiesta t-shirts from Cookie Cartoonery, balloon-themed gifts to get your hands on, and more.
Hot air balloons light up the night sky tonight, Saturday 10 August 2024, at the traditional night glow at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court. A couple share a kiss silhouetted by a lit up hot air balloon. PHOTO:PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach Plc)
When the weather allows, the mass ascents will be scheduled each morning at approximately 6am and again at 6pm, hopefully painting the skies in a kaleidoscope of colour.
As night falls on Friday and Saturday, the fiesta’s legendary Nightglows take centre stage, with dozens of tethered hot air balloons lighting up the arena with choreographed bursts of flame in sequence to a music soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol.
Organisers say: “Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a fiesta regular, this year’s event is set to capture imaginations with unforgettable sights and interactive experiences that honour Bristol’s place at the heart of ballooning worldwide.”
While the event is free to attend, tickets must be purchased in advance for anyone hoping to use the onsite car parks, and visitors can enhance their experience through the event’s hospitality packages.
This year visitors can enjoy front row seats from Sky Lounge, dine at the onsite Pasture Restaurant and even gain launch field access to the Nightglows.