Bristol Balloon Fiesta: All you need to know including city's best viewing spots
The free event will be held from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August at Ashton Court, with flights of more than 100 hot air balloons scheduled twice daily.
The Fiesta attracts huge crowds to the city and provides a busy schedule - so here's a list of all you need to know.
How do I get to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta?
Ashton Court sits to the south-west of Bristol city centre and directions are signposted from all routes into the Fiesta.
For those driving to the event, car parking tickets must be purchased in advance. It's also worth keeping in mind that Bristol operates a Clean Air Zone, which may affect your journey.
Tickets can also be bought for a shuttle bus from Bristol Temple Meads and the City Centre to the event. The service is operated by StageCoach and runs from 10am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with return journeys running until 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 9.30pm on Sunday.
The nearest train station to Ashton Court is Parson Street, which is a 30-minute walk from the site.
Those wishing to walk or cycle can take 'Festival Way' - a traffic-free path which will open on the weekend, connecting the city to Ashton Court Estate and beyond.
What's on at the Balloon Fiesta?
Weather-dependent mass ascents are scheduled at approximately 6am and 6pm each day.
After dark on Friday and Saturday visitors can stay to watch the Nightglows - during which dozens of balloons inflate to glow in time to music.
The main arena is also programmed throughout the day with music and events including Meet The Pilots, inflation races and tethered hot air balloons, to stunt displays, interactive challenges and Samba bands.
Where are the best places to see the hot air balloons?
For those not planning to be on-site at Ashton Court, there are plenty of other locations around the city which allow for stunning views of the balloons in flight.
Less than a 20-minute walk away from Ashton Court, Greville Smyth Park can be a great spot to watch the balloons setting off across the city.
Victoria Park is another nearby option to catch some views of the ascents.
Over towards Clifton, the Observatory, the Suspension Bridge and the Downs are all popular areas for balloon-chasers.
For those looking to sit in bars and restaurants to watch the ascents, heading to the Harbourside will make for a great evening.
Gaining some height will allow for some good views of the flights, so it's also worth climbing up Brandon Hill, Troopers Hill or Perretts Park.
If you're willing to go out of the city, Dundry Hill near Bristol Airport is a great location for peaceful views of the balloons.
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With the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta around the corner, hot air balloon enthusiasts will be coming from far and wide for a weekend of mass ascents and celebration. The free event will be held from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August at Ashton Court, with flights of more than 100 hot air balloons scheduled twice daily. The Fiesta attracts huge crowds to the city and provides a busy schedule - so here's a list of all you need to know. How do I get to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta? Ashton Court sits to the south-west of Bristol city centre and directions are signposted from all routes into the Fiesta. For those driving to the event, car parking tickets must be purchased in advance. It's also worth keeping in mind that Bristol operates a Clean Air Zone, which may affect your journey. Tickets can also be bought for a shuttle bus from Bristol Temple Meads and the City Centre to the event. The service is operated by StageCoach and runs from 10am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with return journeys running until 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 9.30pm on Sunday. The nearest train station to Ashton Court is Parson Street, which is a 30-minute walk from the site. Those wishing to walk or cycle can take 'Festival Way' - a traffic-free path which will open on the weekend, connecting the city to Ashton Court Estate and beyond. What's on at the Balloon Fiesta? Weather-dependent mass ascents are scheduled at approximately 6am and 6pm each day. After dark on Friday and Saturday visitors can stay to watch the Nightglows - during which dozens of balloons inflate to glow in time to music. The main arena is also programmed throughout the day with music and events including Meet The Pilots, inflation races and tethered hot air balloons, to stunt displays, interactive challenges and Samba bands. Where are the best places to see the hot air balloons? For those not planning to be on-site at Ashton Court, there are plenty of other locations around the city which allow for stunning views of the balloons in flight. Less than a 20-minute walk away from Ashton Court, Greville Smyth Park can be a great spot to watch the balloons setting off across the city. Victoria Park is another nearby option to catch some views of the ascents. Over towards Clifton, the Observatory, the Suspension Bridge and the Downs are all popular areas for balloon-chasers. For those looking to sit in bars and restaurants to watch the ascents, heading to the Harbourside will make for a great evening. Gaining some height will allow for some good views of the flights, so it's also worth climbing up Brandon Hill, Troopers Hill or Perretts Park. If you're willing to go out of the city, Dundry Hill near Bristol Airport is a great location for peaceful views of the balloons.
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