News / bristol international balloon fiesta

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta officially launches for 2023

By Betty Woolerton  Thursday Jul 20, 2023

Hot air balloons filled Lloyds Amphitheatre in the early morning to mark the official launch of 2023’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

Returning to Ashton Court Estate from Thursday, August 10 to Sunday, August 13, the world-renowned festival will see dozens of hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes take to the skies at dusk and dawn.

On Thursday, nine hot air balloons, which featured the logos of companies including Huboo, Thatchers and Tattinger, were supposed to take to the sky to kick off the celebration but winds weren’t strong enough so remained at ground level.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.
Community member Find out more

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is Europe’s largest hot air balloon event and has been running since 1979.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bristol24/7 (@bristol247)

Organisers have announced 2023’s first mass ascent, which usually takes place on Friday morning, is now set to take place the Thursday evening at 6pm. This will be followed by the nightglow, which sees multiple balloons light up to a one-off soundtrack.

Balloons making special appearance for 2023 include Thomas the Tank Engine, The Piggy Bank, Choc Dips and Snow White.

On top of balloon-based activities, Jelli Records are set to programme this year’s bandstand with live music and kids entertainers Party Peeps will be hosting the children’s Brizzle Kicks area.

Visitors 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.

Here are the launch event’s highlights:

Organisers said car parking are available to buy on the fiesta website, here, and must be purchased in advance as there will be no entry on the day.

For more information about the fiesta, visit: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

All photos: Rob Browne; video: Betty Woolerton

Read next:

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:


Tags:

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Featured Perks

  • £10 off tickets to the final week of Disney’s Aladdin at the Hippodrome

    £10 off tickets to the final week of Disney’s Aladdin at the Hippodrome

    Get whisked away to a whole new world with the cast of Aladdin

    Claim Perk
  • £5 off when you spend £15 at Better Food

    £5 off when you spend £15 at Better Food

    Better Food is offering all Bristol24/7 members £5 off their shopping when they spend £15 between Thursday 16 July and Wednesday 29 July.

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off purchases from the We The Curious online shop

    10% off purchases from the We The Curious online shop

    We\'ve teamed up with We The Curious to offer you 10% off in their excellent online shop. 

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off stays at Beech House

    10% off stays at Beech House

    Urban Apartments are offering members a discount on a Whiteladies Road stay

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off your food bill at Nadu

    10% off your food bill at Nadu

    We\'ve teamed up with Sri Lankan restaurant Nadu to offer Bristol24/7 members 10% off their food bill Sunday - Thursday. 

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off your food bill at Nadu

    10% off your food bill at Nadu

    We\'ve teamed up with Sri Lankan restaurant Nadu to offer Bristol24/7 members 10% off their food bill Sunday - Thursday. 

    Claim Perk

Most read

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Monthly £5/month Annually £45/year
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Monthly £180/month* Annually £2000/year*
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Monthly £5/month Annually £45/year
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning
Sign up
×

Select Your Membership