Latest news with #Fiesta
ITV News
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Bristol Balloon Fiesta: All you need to know including city's best viewing spots
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.
Powys County Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Hot air balloons fill the sky above Bristol ahead of annual fiesta
Almost a dozen colourful hot air balloons filled the skies above Bristol to mark the countdown to the city's annual fiesta. Balloons launched from College Green in the heart of the city on Friday morning, as commuters gathered to watch the inflation and ascent. The launch took in views of Bristol's City Hall, cathedral, historic harbourside and Temple Meads train station. The 47th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which is free to attend, will return to Ashton Court Estate from August 8 to 10, celebrating the city and its hot air balloon heritage. More than 100 balloons are expected to take part in this year's mass ascents, scheduled for 6am and 6pm each day, weather permitting. Speaking to the PA news agency, Steve Thomas, a pilot from the Hot Air Balloon Company, based near Bath, said: 'We had a perfect morning for flying over Bristol. 'Steady speeds out of College Green, perfect track all the way into Keynsham. 'The weather was perfect, with nice visibility across the city. 'It did get a bit hazy as the flight came on, so we dropped down our altitude as we came in to land.' Mr Thomas, who has been working as a hot air balloon pilot for around 10 years, said the team is really looking forward to the fiesta, describing it as an important event for the city. Hot air ballooning has been a historic part of Bristol's culture for many years, with the first recorded flight in the city dating back to the 18th century. This year's Fiesta programme includes the return of fan favourites, alongside new attractions making their debut. In the line-up will be beloved classics alongside new additions, including the Up balloon, Wallace and Gromit Moon Rocket, Thomas the Tank Engine and Sonic the Hedgehog. On both Friday and Saturday evenings, visitors to the festival can experience nightglows, where dozens of balloons inflate and use their burners to glow in time to music. Helen Godwin, the new mayor of the West of England, said: 'Those of us lucky enough to grow up here in the West Country know there's nothing quite like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. 'Seeing our skies full of shapes and colours is truly special, whether you find balloons already flying overhead or hoping the wind will bring them your way.'
Glasgow Times
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Hot air balloons fill the sky above Bristol ahead of annual fiesta
Balloons launched from College Green in the heart of the city on Friday morning, as commuters gathered to watch the inflation and ascent. The launch took in views of Bristol's City Hall, cathedral, historic harbourside and Temple Meads train station. Pilots inflating the canopy as they prepare for flight (Ben Birchall/PA) The 47th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which is free to attend, will return to Ashton Court Estate from August 8 to 10, celebrating the city and its hot air balloon heritage. More than 100 balloons are expected to take part in this year's mass ascents, scheduled for 6am and 6pm each day, weather permitting. Speaking to the PA news agency, Steve Thomas, a pilot from the Hot Air Balloon Company, based near Bath, said: 'We had a perfect morning for flying over Bristol. The balloons took in the sights of Bristol (Ben Birchall/PA Wire) 'Steady speeds out of College Green, perfect track all the way into Keynsham. 'The weather was perfect, with nice visibility across the city. 'It did get a bit hazy as the flight came on, so we dropped down our altitude as we came in to land.' Balloon pilots check the interior canopy rigging as they prepare for flight (Ben Birchall/PA) Mr Thomas, who has been working as a hot air balloon pilot for around 10 years, said the team is really looking forward to the fiesta, describing it as an important event for the city. Hot air ballooning has been a historic part of Bristol's culture for many years, with the first recorded flight in the city dating back to the 18th century. This year's Fiesta programme includes the return of fan favourites, alongside new attractions making their debut. Hot air balloons over Bristol (Ben Birchall/PA) In the line-up will be beloved classics alongside new additions, including the Up balloon, Wallace and Gromit Moon Rocket, Thomas the Tank Engine and Sonic the Hedgehog. On both Friday and Saturday evenings, visitors to the festival can experience nightglows, where dozens of balloons inflate and use their burners to glow in time to music. Helen Godwin, the new mayor of the West of England, said: 'Those of us lucky enough to grow up here in the West Country know there's nothing quite like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Hot air ballooning has been a historic part of Bristol's culture for many years (Ben Birchall/PA) 'Seeing our skies full of shapes and colours is truly special, whether you find balloons already flying overhead or hoping the wind will bring them your way.'
Rhyl Journal
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Hot air balloons fill the sky above Bristol ahead of annual fiesta
Balloons launched from College Green in the heart of the city on Friday morning, as commuters gathered to watch the inflation and ascent. The launch took in views of Bristol's City Hall, cathedral, historic harbourside and Temple Meads train station. The 47th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which is free to attend, will return to Ashton Court Estate from August 8 to 10, celebrating the city and its hot air balloon heritage. More than 100 balloons are expected to take part in this year's mass ascents, scheduled for 6am and 6pm each day, weather permitting. Speaking to the PA news agency, Steve Thomas, a pilot from the Hot Air Balloon Company, based near Bath, said: 'We had a perfect morning for flying over Bristol. 'Steady speeds out of College Green, perfect track all the way into Keynsham. 'The weather was perfect, with nice visibility across the city. 'It did get a bit hazy as the flight came on, so we dropped down our altitude as we came in to land.' Mr Thomas, who has been working as a hot air balloon pilot for around 10 years, said the team is really looking forward to the fiesta, describing it as an important event for the city. Hot air ballooning has been a historic part of Bristol's culture for many years, with the first recorded flight in the city dating back to the 18th century. This year's Fiesta programme includes the return of fan favourites, alongside new attractions making their debut. In the line-up will be beloved classics alongside new additions, including the Up balloon, Wallace and Gromit Moon Rocket, Thomas the Tank Engine and Sonic the Hedgehog. On both Friday and Saturday evenings, visitors to the festival can experience nightglows, where dozens of balloons inflate and use their burners to glow in time to music. Helen Godwin, the new mayor of the West of England, said: 'Those of us lucky enough to grow up here in the West Country know there's nothing quite like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. 'Seeing our skies full of shapes and colours is truly special, whether you find balloons already flying overhead or hoping the wind will bring them your way.'
Leader Live
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Hot air balloons fill the sky above Bristol ahead of annual fiesta
Balloons launched from College Green in the heart of the city on Friday morning, as commuters gathered to watch the inflation and ascent. The launch took in views of Bristol's City Hall, cathedral, historic harbourside and Temple Meads train station. The 47th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which is free to attend, will return to Ashton Court Estate from August 8 to 10, celebrating the city and its hot air balloon heritage. More than 100 balloons are expected to take part in this year's mass ascents, scheduled for 6am and 6pm each day, weather permitting. Speaking to the PA news agency, Steve Thomas, a pilot from the Hot Air Balloon Company, based near Bath, said: 'We had a perfect morning for flying over Bristol. 'Steady speeds out of College Green, perfect track all the way into Keynsham. 'The weather was perfect, with nice visibility across the city. 'It did get a bit hazy as the flight came on, so we dropped down our altitude as we came in to land.' Mr Thomas, who has been working as a hot air balloon pilot for around 10 years, said the team is really looking forward to the fiesta, describing it as an important event for the city. Hot air ballooning has been a historic part of Bristol's culture for many years, with the first recorded flight in the city dating back to the 18th century. This year's Fiesta programme includes the return of fan favourites, alongside new attractions making their debut. In the line-up will be beloved classics alongside new additions, including the Up balloon, Wallace and Gromit Moon Rocket, Thomas the Tank Engine and Sonic the Hedgehog. On both Friday and Saturday evenings, visitors to the festival can experience nightglows, where dozens of balloons inflate and use their burners to glow in time to music. Helen Godwin, the new mayor of the West of England, said: 'Those of us lucky enough to grow up here in the West Country know there's nothing quite like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. 'Seeing our skies full of shapes and colours is truly special, whether you find balloons already flying overhead or hoping the wind will bring them your way.'
