Background to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta
Held in the lush hills of Ashton Court on the edge of Bristol, the Bristol balloon festival which was founded in 1978 is the largest event of its kind in Europe. Taking place over four days in August each year, and attracting around 500,0000 visitors, this free event is considered to be one of the UK's top five outdoor events. The fiesta allows you the rare chance to see mass launches of over 100 balloons at close proximity, with two balloon launches taking place each day during the early hours of the morning and two to three hours before sunset. These times provide the optimal conditions for launching and landing since the air is typically lighter then, and thermals, which are vertical air currents caused by ground heating that make it more difficult to control the balloon, can be avoided. The hot air balloonists comprise teams from the UK and around the world, with many flights being sponsored by commercial companies who are advertised on the hot air balloons.
The Bristol Balloon Fiesta Experience
As the hot air balloons fill up, large mounds of every colour imaginable slowly spring up from the previously flat ground, transforming the site into a techni-colour landscape. Watching the hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes floating into the skies, one by one, against a backdrop of lush greenery, city landscape and colbalt blue skies, we are reminded of the far-reaching human imagination, and the breathtaking display provides for a truly magical experience full of colour and contrast. If visitors want to take a ride in the balloon, balloon ride operators need to be contacted directly beforehand and a full list is available from the organisers. Flying across the city, many of the city's landmarks are visible including the SS Great Britain, St Mary Redcliffe, the bustling harbourside and the mist-covered water flowing gently beneath the celebrated Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Besides watching the balloon launch, visitors both young and old can enjoy a hive of activities on the site including an array of fairground rides, over 250 trade stalls, a wide selection of international and local cuisine, as well as various exhibitions and competitions - such as the supersweet desert competition this year. You can also take a leisurely walk on the beautiful Ashton court grounds and stop for refreshments at the coach house cafe which forms part of the mansion. The highlight of the festival is the nightglow which takes place at 9:30pm each evening. Featuring a firework display and tethered balloons, which light up in sequence to music spanning the last four decades, it is a wonderful spectacle that completes the Bristol balloon fiesta experience. An air show has been another key attraction of the balloon festival in recent years, and on the last day of the festival this year, the Red Arrows delighted audiences once again with dare-devil displays and stunts.
Joyin Chou - Hi my name is Joyin Chou and I graduated with a B.Sc. in Psychology before going on to pursue a Masters in Educational Research ...
