A Day in the Life of Bristol’s International Balloon Bash

Bristol is a city that hugely celebrates hot air balloons, as proven by its International Balloon Fiesta. Annually taking place in the month of August, Bristol's Ashton Court plays host to a whole weekend of festivities for children and adults alike. From a stage to entertain the little ones to rows of balloons lighting up the night sky, Bristol holds the knowledge and key to commemorate hot air balloons successfully.

As dawn breaks over the charming establishment of Ashton Court, the dedicated Balloon Fiesta staff prepare the hot air balloons for their first ascent over Bristol. Balloons come in from around the world to deliver a sky spectacle that further decorates the morning sky. Their equipment ensures that the balloons are pumped up with the correct amount of air, ready for another airborne adventure.

As 6 a.m. approaches, the balloons ascend into the air, departing from Ashton Court to glide over the City of Bristol. The balloons are formed in all sorts of different sizes and shapes and also promote brands such as the local cider ‘Thatcher’s’ and a balloon in the shape of an alien's head.

The hot air balloon with an alien-head shape

Proceeding the morning’s mass ascent, market stalls begin trading. The Brizzle Kicks stage for the kids is set and ready to get them in the groove courtesy of 'Party Peeps'. The main arena is also prepared and ready to welcome those showcasing their talents and skills, including motorcycle stunts from the local 'Solent Stars Youth Motorcycle Stunt Team'.

The motorcycle stunt team gearing up to perform their stunts.

Further entertainment is provided for families throughout the morning and into lunchtime. A Thatcher's Apple Race occurs in the main arena just before lunchtime, where two teams compete to win a free drink voucher. Kids slide down the inflatable slide with adrenaline rushing through them like wildfire. Hopefuls dip their fishing rods into the water to pick up a rubber duck and win a prize. Risk-takers storm their way through the crazy house full of what seems like never-ending obstacles, emerging victorious.

Lunchtime then approaches, and Bristol's foodies are not disappointed with the number of available food options. An Italian stall selling pizza, a Greek stall selling Gyros, a Thai stall selling Red and Green Curries, the options here are endless. Dessert stalls are also available for those with an engaging sweet tooth, such as 'Oh Crepe!'.

A halloumi wrap I sampled for lunch during the fiesta

As the afternoon approaches, the fun does not stop there. An inflation race commences in the main arena, along with the opportunity to meet a hot air balloon pilot. The pilot is asked questions about flying a balloon and the experience and qualifications required. More live music is played on the fiesta's Moon Stage through the afternoon as visitors relax while listening to this music.

The main arena presents further spectacles into the late afternoon, including a model airplane performing spectacular stunts, the pilot of which controls it from the ground. The motorcycle stunt team then performs another set of inspiring stunts to wow the crowd, the announcer of which reveals the effort the kids of this group have put into making their performance happen.

Following this, the staff spread around the main arena to prepare, setting up more hot air balloons for the early evening ascent. The crows wait in anticipation for a puff of green smoke to indicate that the balloons will ascend as planned. The wait becomes intense, given that thousands of those visiting the fiesta came primarily to watch this evening's ascension.

Soon enough, the puff of smoke reveals that the second ascension of the day will commence as scheduled. Soon after, the hot air balloons are filled with air and tested to confirm if they are ready to fly and decorate Bristol's skyline. After this testing, the balloons begin their ascension one by one while the crowd stands on their feet to applaud the display of ascensions and take photographs.

The Balloon Fiesta's evening mass ascent

The evening's festivities begin with a samba band playing engaging music, echoing across the fiesta to get the fiesta-goers in a feel-good mood. The rides, market traders, and other attractions continue to do business with their customers. A handful of hot air balloons are neatly lined up, ready for the 9 pm night glow. The food and drink stalls remain on standby for those after a hearty evening meal to tuck into while overlooking the main arena.

The time of the night glow then approaches; the balloons enchantingly light up the night sky to the tune of the playing music, courtesy of BBC Radio Bristol. This is a spectacle that the fiesta-goers have been waiting for and is the best way to round off a thrilling day at this Balloon Fiesta. The crowd remains on their feet and jive to the music while taking pictures and videos.

The Balloon Fiesta's night glow in full swing

So ends a whole day of excitement and adventure, and begins the long queues to vacate Ashton Court for those driving or catching a shuttle bus to Bristol City Centre. Spending a whole day at this fiesta is enough to understand why it is internationally recognised. It's enough to encourage visitors to consider experiencing hot air ballooning and feel the wind rushing through their hair as they fly over the ground below.

The Travelling Foodie's Facts and Figures

• Entry to Bristol's Balloon Fiesta is free, given that it is a not-for-profit event. However, if you do not wish to walk from Bristol City Centre, you will need to pay for parking or take the available shuttle bus.

• The entertainment at this fiesta varies yearly, so it's worth checking the website to find out what's on. Click Here for more details.