Returning to its home turf at Ashton Court Estate from Thursday 10 August to Sunday 13 August 2023, the organisers of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has announced a new Thursday mass ascent and family funday Friday for its 45th edition .
The first mass ascent, which usually takes place on Friday morning, is now set to take place Thursday evening at 6pm, and will be followed by the legendary Nightglow, which sees multiple balloons light up to a one-off soundtrack. Fiesta-fans can expect to watch in awe as up to 100 balloons take to the skies and witness breathtaking scenes as the balloons float across Bristol’s landscape, before heading back to prepare for the first Nightglow of 2023.
Speaking of Friday, this year’s Fiesta will see Family Fiesta Friday touch down in Ashton Court, which will boast a jam-packed schedule of family-fun and on the ground entertainment for those both young and young at heart. Between the 6am morning ascent and 6pm evening ascent, crowds can expect a basket full of activities to keep them entertained.
The team at Bristol-based record label, Jelli Records, will be programming this year’s Bandstand with a symphony of live music, while kids entertainers extraordinaires, Party Peeps, will be bringing non-stop shenanigans to the children’s Brizzle Kicks area… including their much loved Foam Party!
Visitors of all ages will also get the chance to meet the flight teams in the main arena, step inside an inflated balloon and stand in a balloon basket to imagine they’re soaring above the city. More Fiesta-favourites will also be on hand, including model planes, inflation races where teams race against each other to inflate their balloons, model balloons, and the REME Parachute Display Team who will be wowing crowds with their daredevil stunts.
Balloon enthusiasts from Bristol and beyond will have spotted some special shapes announced already, with more to come. Making a special appearance and ones to look out for this year include Thomas the Tank Engine, The Piggy Bank, Choc Dips and Snow White… How does Bristol like them (poisoned) apples? With some of these shapes returning for the first time in decades, it’s time to brush off those binoculars, head to Ashton Court and get spotting.
To make sure audiences are really on cloud nine, there will be live announcements, chants and cheers from the official Fiesta commentary throughout.
Car parking and Shuttle Bus tickets are available to purchase on the Fiesta website and must be purchased in advance as there will be no entry on the day. For more information and updates on the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or check out the website for updates.