Bristol Balloon Fiesta

The fiesta and kite festival pages cover the free major events that occur on the Ashton Court Estate. Note that while entry is free there are parking charges.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Running each year from the 1st or 2nd Thursday in August to the following Sunday, the 4 days of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta are Ashton Courts biggest event by far. With over 150,000 visitors on its peak days.

2007 was superb with 6 of a possible 7 balloon launches taking place, some beautiful weather too after a soggy June and July.

Balloon launch timetable: Thursday 7th to Sunday the 10th of August 2008.

Thursday	Fiesta opens at midday 6:00pm special shapes launch & tether 9:30pm night glow
Friday	6:00am mass ascent 6:00pm mass ascent
Saturday	6:00am mass ascent 6:00pm mass ascent 9:30pm night glow
Sunday	6:00am mass ascent 6:00pm mass ascent

Note that this is subject to weather, the special shape balloons in particular like light winds. If its to windy to launch there may a tethered inflation like the one below in gusty 2006.

To get a good idea of the flight path of any balloon launches see Wind Map Britain (external link).

For a link to the fiesta web site see the Bristol Balloon Fiesta link on the right hand side of most pages, theres a lot more going on beyond the balloons.

• Fun fairs on all four nights, finishing at 8pm on Friday and Sunday and 10pm on Thursday and Saturday.
• The Red Arrows will be appearing on Sunday the 10th of August 2008.