Latest news with #BristolBalloonFiesta


BBC News
28-04-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Lucky Bristol schools could host a hot air balloon for festival
Have you ever wanted to see how hot air balloons work up close? Well some school children in Bristol could soon be doing just that, whilst learning about science, engineering and Schools Tether Roadshow is inviting local schools in the Bristol area to apply to host a tethered hot air balloon in their means a huge hot air balloon will fly above the school whilst being safely tied to the ground. It is all part of the annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta which takes place each year in August. The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is Europe's largest hot air balloon year, hundreds of balloons take to the skies above the English city, and half a million people come from far and wide to will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2028. Organisers say this project aims to make ballooning more accessible and inclusive for children across the city, with pupils able to meet pilots and engage with the "iconic" event and learn about the science, engineering and teamwork behind ballooning."We can't wait to inspire the balloonists and engineers of the future," said Ben Hardy, the fiesta's executive Hardy said the roadshow aims to "capture the imagination of children, teachers and parents alike".


BBC News
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Headlines: Bristol balloons, birthdays and birds
Here is our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media. Our pick of local website stories Residents in a commonhold flat in Bristol have spoken to The Guardian ahead of plans to move new-build flats away from have released an appeal after a woman was dragged from a path and sexually assaulted in Yeovil. The Somerset Leveller has more Salisbury Journal has reported on a new musical theatre school with a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) class which is set to open in November.A woman in Swindon celebrated her 101st birthday with a surprise lunch and cake, thanks to a befriending scheme run by the council. The Swindon Advertiser covered the another birthday - a 105-year-old from Burnham-On-Sea celebrated her special day with a visit from a group of local nursery children, which reported on. Our top three from yesterday What to watch on social media Around Wellington's Facebook post about the motorway junction in town and its link road with Chelston roundabout closing for about 14 weeks in June is gaining for the School Tether Roadshow from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta has attracted a lot of attention on Facebook with local people suggesting nominees in the residents are discussing an ice cream man who rides a bike around the town. They are asking him to turn his "excessive" volume Cathedral has released a video of a new peregrine chick which hatched in the nest up in the tower.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Balloon Fiesta to return after 'challenging' years
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will return this year despite operating at a loss, organisers have said. The iconic event, which sees more than 100 balloons take off from Ashton Court Estate, will take place over three days rather than four as organisers try to make savings amid rising costs. Ben Hardy, executive director, said: "The last few years have been undeniably challenging and bringing the fiesta back in 2024 took real blood, sweat and tears but the incredible support from the public and business community has been truly reassuring." This year's 47th edition of the balloon fiesta will take place from 8 - 10 August. More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol Rising costs, poor weather and the coronavirus pandemic have blighted the free, not-for-profit festival which was shortened from four days to three last year to reduce its deficit. The three-day model helped cut its losses by £80,000, and organisers hope it will break even this year after teaming up with new sponsor, accountancy firm Albert Goodman. "With their support, we're excited to introduce new programmes, initiatives, and features that will not only enhance the visitor experience but also celebrate Bristol and its deep-rooted connection to the world of hot air ballooning," said Mr Hardy. As well as the mass ascents and nightglows, a new immersive experience called 'In The Clouds' will be introduced this year. It will feature a cold-inflated hot air balloon that visitors can step inside, with a soundscape replicating the experience of pilots in flight. An extension of the event, Fiesta Week, will not go ahead but will be replaced with a Schools Tether Roadshow, which will bring hot air balloons directly into city communities and schools. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Shortened Balloon Fiesta helps cut £100k deficit Balloon Fiesta to be shortened because of costs Stunning pictures from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta Bristol International Balloon Fiesta