Our guide to attending the Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2022
The skies of Bristol are set to fill up with colour as Europe’s largest balloon festival is making a comeback this year. From Thursday, August 11 to Sunday, August 14, approximately 500,000 visitors will head to Ashton Court to see over 100 balloons from around the world launch into the sky.
Heading to the festival? Find out everything you need to know about getting there and what to expect.
What is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta?
Founded in 1979 after a group of friends came up with the idea over a pint, what started as just 27 balloons taking off has now become an annual, unmissable event that Bristolians are proud of. With the event being cancelled two years in a row due to the Covid pandemic, this year's 44th Balloon Fiesta is going to be epic.
From morning balloon ascents to evening nightglows, the four-day event is jam-packed with family activities, food stalls, live entertainment, and games. The best part is that the Fiesta is free for all to enter!
What’s happening on each day?
Thursday, 11th August
The Fiesta fun begins, kicking off at midday! Watch hot air balloons tethering throughout the afternoon or get involved in numerous exciting family-friendly activities throughout the day. The grounds of Ashton Court will also be packed with traders and food stalls for you to enjoy.
The first ascent of the Fiesta will take place at 6pm - this year in honour of prolific balloonist Phil Dunnington. At 9pm, enjoy a creative display of hot air balloons lighting up to a specially created soundtrack by BBC Radio Bristol and end the night watching a fabulous fireworks finale.
Event schedule for Thursday, 11th August:
Main Events:
Family Fun:
Live Bands & Music:
Friday, 12th August
It’s an early start on the second day of the Fiesta, with the first mass ascent of over 100 hot air balloons launching at 6am. Don’t miss out on the Costa Coffee POD serving delicious barista-style beverages!
At 6pm, watch a beautiful array of inflated shapes, colourful balloons, and massive ride balloons lift to the sky.
Event schedule for Friday, 12th August:
Main Events:
Family Fun:
Live Bands & Music:
Saturday, 13th August
Another early start for Fiesta-goers on Saturday who want to watch the first mass ascent of hot air balloons at 6am. You can also enjoy a display of model planes and helicopters flying high in the sky. Make sure your cameras are ready as you watch some not-to-miss bike stunts, too!
The second mass ascent will be at 6pm, where you can watch a colourful array of shapes and balloons taking off into the afternoon sunshine. Saturday is also the last day you get to watch the Nightglow & fireworks display, so don’t miss out!
Event schedule for Saturday, 12th August:
Main Events:
Family Fun:
Live Bands & Music:
Sunday, 14th August
The final day of the Fiesta starts at 6am with a mass ascent of hot air balloons. Explore over 100 trade stands and food stalls, or cheer on the acoustic bands performing throughout the day.
At 6pm, cheer loud for all the ballooners as they make their final mass ascent.
Main Events:
Family Fun:
Live Bands & Music:
How to get to the Bristol Balloon Festival
Ashton Court is situated to the south-west of Bristol city centre. You may see signs marking the upcoming Bristol Clean Air Zone as you enter the city centre. Don’t worry about having to pay the charge just yet as the zone will only go live on the 28th of November! Find out more about the Bristol Clean Air Zone here.
Car: If you’re driving, there is a car park on site however, you need to book a car park ticket in advance. You can book car park tickets here.
Bristol Car Parking map:
Car park opening times:
Taxi: Set your drop-off location to Ashton Court and ask your taxi driver to follow the road signs to the location. From there, it’s just a short walk to the main event site.
Bicycle: Use the National Cycling Route 33 for a traffic-free path all the way to the event site. There is also bike parking available on-site near the Mansion House and the Fallow Deer Park.
Train: The closest station to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta is Bristol Temple Meads. From there, you can take a taxi to Ashton Court.