Bristol Balloon Fiesta: Up, up and away!

One of the biggest and best events in the Bristol calendar is about to lift off on our doorstep – the 2010 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is getting underway at Ashton Court now.

The free event runs through from noon this afternoon until Sunday’s grand finale: the Red Arrows display followed by a mass ascent of over 100 hot air balloons, many of which will have been made by Bedminster-based Cameron Balloons, the world’s largest manufacturer of hot air balloons. 

And, just in time for this year’s fiesta, a new route has been opened to provide cyclists and pedestrians with an easier and safer route to Ashton Court. Called Festival Way, it is largely traffic-free, and you can join it at the Create Centre.

As for the balloons, it all depends on the weather, of course, but if all goes to plan, this is what we have in store over the next few days:

Thursday 12th August

12.00pm Gates Open

Hot Air Balloon Tethers - main arena, throughout the afternoon

Trade and Entertainment Village open

6.00pm Special Shapes Ascent - a number of favourite special shape hot air balloons will take to the skies

9.30pm HSBC Nightglow: Best of British - the world famous Bristol Nightglow, where 30 or more balloons will glow in time to music will mark BAC 100, the centenary celebration of the formation of the Bristol Aeroplane Company.

10.30pm Gates Close

Friday 13th August

6.00am Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent - over 100 balloons will take to the skies from Ashton Court, weather permitting

09.00am Trade and Entertainment Village open

12.00pm Arena Entertainment and Tethered Balloons

6.00pm Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent - over 100 balloons will take to the skies from Ashton Court, weather permitting

8.30pm Gates Close

Saturday 14th August

6.00am Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent - over 100 balloons will take to the skies from Ashton Court, weather permitting

09.00am Trade and Entertainment Village open

12.00pm Arena Entertainment and Tethered Balloons

6.00pm Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent - over 100 balloons will take to the skies from Ashton Court, weather permitting

9.30pm Milka Nightglow - The world famous Bristol Nightglow, where 30 or more balloons will glow in time to music

10.30pm Gates Close

Sunday 15th August

6.00am Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent - over 100 balloons will take to the skies from Ashton Court, weather permitting

09.00am Trade and Entertainment Village open

12.00pm Arena Entertainment and Tethered Balloons

4.30pm Red Arrows in association with Mail Handling International – The world famous Red Arrows will take to the sky above Ashton Court, as part of the finale to the Fiesta weekend

6.00pm Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent - over 100 balloons will take to the skies from Ashton Court, weather permitting

Visit the Fiesta website for further details and to check for any changes to the schedule over the weekend.