More
Search

News / bristol balloon fiesta

In photos: Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2023

By Charlie Watts  Sunday Aug 13, 2023

Thousands of people attended the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court this year.

Despite bad weather leading to some cancellations of the mass ascents, balloons still took to the skies and the two night glows were as spectacular as ever.

Some historic balloons also made a return to the arena after many years away, including Sonic the Hedgehog and the Ordnance Survey map.

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

Here are some of the best photos of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2023:

The night glow was epic as always – photo: Paul Box, Plaster

Despite bad weather, some mass ascents were able to go-ahead – photo: Colin Moody / Plaster

Balloons over the docks on Friday evening – photo: Rob Browne

The crowds enjoyed the event – photo: Paul Box / Plaster

Thousands attended the fiesta across four days – photo: Paul Box / Plaster

Balloons at this year’s fiesta included a giant sheep – photo: Colin Moody / Plaster

The night glow was performed to a soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol – photo: Paul Box / Plaster

Some people were lucky enough to go up in a balloon – photo: Colin Moody / Plaster

Dozens of balloons were lifted into the sky – photo: Colin Moody / Plaster

The Wera screwdriver balloon was one of the most popular special shapes at this year’s event – photo: Rob Browne

The balloonists waited eagerly to see whether the mass ascents were a go – photo: Colin Moody / Plaster

Popular balloons at this year’s event included two from Thatchers – photo: Paul Box / Plaster

While the balloons were not flying, there were meet the pilot sessions in the arena – photo: Rob Browne

The Army parachute display team entertained the crowd on Sunday afternoon – photo: Rob Browne

Sunday’s mass ascents did not happen but a few balloons were still tethered – photo: Rob Browne

Main photo: Paul Box / Plaster 

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
Bristol24/7 is an independent media outlet and community interest company. We're not owned by a large corporation and your contribution will help keep it this way. It will also help us grow and improve our content. By supporting us you will:
  • Support young people, charities and environmental projects in Bristol
  • Shape a Better Bristol
  • Enjoy exclusive perks
  • Comment on articles
Monthly £5/monthAnnually £45/yearFind out more

Related articles

Sign in or create account
Continue with Google Continue with Apple
or
Choose payment frequency
Choose payment method
Credit/Debit
Apple Pay
Google Pay
By signing up to become a member you agree to our privacy policy and terms & conditions.
Fill in this form or email partnerships@bristol247.com and a member of the team will be in touch.
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

£3£5£7£20
  • Support our independent journalism and social impact projects
  • Receive the daily newsletter
  • Early access to event tickets
  • Early access and discounted event tickets
  • Free event tickets
  • Access to all Bristol24/7 perks
  • Receive the Bristol24/7 magazine in the post every other month
  • Receive annual Bristol24/7 publications, including the EatDrink guide, in the post