JWSport Jacek Waszak – Sport journalist
It’s good to be back here again at this time of year in August; these holidays are some of the best we’ve had since 1979 – you could compare them to those days from my childhood. That’s exactly how it should be: holidays are meant to be hot, and in winter it should snow and perhaps be cold, rather than having excessive rain like we have here in Andalusia. . Yes, Bristol should be a showcase for England, and organisers of other events, such as concerts, theatre or even stand-up comedy, should think twice about whether something might be set up here in the future – with many events organised just like in London or Manchester – because it’s a beautiful city, and those investors and sponsors should be able to see with their own eyes that this event attracts over 100,000 people every year, and we’ll see how many attendees there will be this year – whether it will exceed that huge figure of 200,000 attendees over three days. Because there’s always something here that draws us in; when I’m here, you can feel that wonderful atmosphere – the crowd of people surrounding you, and on either side of your blanket or towel as you sit there, everyone’s chatting, shouting, and there are children running around you and your neighbour on the blanket. There are all sorts of attractions for everyone – you can grab a bite to eat, watch other people’s performances, and have a drink – though the prices could be a bit cheaper; then more people would buy them. Afterwards, I go for a wander and always discover new nooks and crannies and new spots every time.
That’s how the workshops and presentations by Cameron Balloons from Bristol take place during the day, There are other attractions too – if there’s something you don’t like,
there’s plenty here to keep us and the kids entertained. I was here once and remember a stunning view of the whole city – you can see it if you like heights and fantastic electric cars; it’s great fun, just like in the old days. I highly recommend it
In the evening, the magic of the Fiesta continues thanks to the iconic ‘Nightglow’ display, which takes place after dark.
On both Friday and Saturday evenings, guests are invited to stay and admire dozens of balloons glowing in time to the music – this element of the Fiesta has become a hallmark of the whole event.
As a non-commercial event, a team of volunteers shows incredible dedication throughout the year to ensure the event is enjoyable and free for everyone.
the Bristol Balloon Festival, which returns to the city from 7–9 August 2026
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is always free to attend and will take place at the Ashton Court Estate, featuring a range of attractions both in the air and on the ground, including daily mass launches, performances and the famous ‘night-time balloon glow’.
The first Bristol International Balloon Fiesta took place in September 1979 and was initiated by local ballooning expert Don Cameron and the Bristol Junior Chamber.
Back then, the event lasted four days, and that’s how it was here at the time, but now it’s only three days and
We’ve got lots of interesting things and attractions in store here, including hot-air balloon flights – anyone can take a ride, you just need to pay between 200 and 350 pounds – as well as parachute jumps from a military aircraft by the Air Force team, and the highlight of the event: a concert taking place at 9.00 pm – the ‘Nightglow’
The organisers promise that this year’s event will be ‘an unforgettable celebration of ballooning and local culture. Over 100 balloons
Good spots for watching the balloons, where you can sit comfortably or watch them take flight, include Ashton Court Estate, Clifton Observatory, Bristol Harbourside, Perretts Park, Brandon Hill, Dundry Hill and Troopers Hill,
Friday, 7 August 2026
Please note that the times for all events in the entertainment programme are subject to change depending on weather conditions, so please follow our social media channels for the latest updates.
Scheduled mass balloon launch (weather permitting)
Opening ceremony
6.00 am Historic hot-air balloons
7.30 am Model balloon and aeroplane display
7.30 am ‘Go With The Flow’ family yoga (Moon Stage)
7.30 am ‘Step Into the Arena’
10.30 am Visit from the Avon Fire and Rescue Service
11.00 am – 12.00 pm Opening of the ‘Brizzle Kicks’ stage (children’s entertainment stage)
12.00 noon Opening of the BIMM Moon Stage (live music stage)
1.00 pm Thatchers Balloon Bar
5.00 pm RAF Falcons aerobatic display
6.00 pm Scheduled mass balloon launch (weather permitting)
8.15 pm Illumination of balloon models
9.00 pm Nightglow
SATURDAY, 8 August 2026
Please note that the times of all events in the entertainment programme are subject to change due to weather conditions, so we encourage you to follow our social media channels for the latest updates.
Planned mass balloon launch
6.00 am
Opening of the ‘In The Clouds’ exhibition
6.00 am Historic balloons
7.00 am Model balloon display
7.00 am ‘Go With The Flow’ family yoga (Moon Stage)
7.30 am Storytelling with Siân Hughes (Moon Stage)
8.30 am Model aeroplane display
9.00 am Opening of the ‘Brizzle Kicks’ stage (children’s entertainment stage)
12.00 noon Opening of the BIMM Moon Stage (live music stage)
12.00 midday Motorcycle display by ‘The Rockets’
1.00 pm ‘Thatchers’ balloon bar
1.00 pm Meet the pilot and model balloon display
2.00 pm Display by the RAF ‘Falcons’ aerobatic team
4.30 pm Scheduled mass balloon launch (weather permitting)
6.00 pm Batala Bristol Samba-Reggae band
7.15 pm – 8.15 pm Model balloon illumination
8.15 pm – 9.00 pm ‘Nightglow’ display
Sunday 9th August 2026
Please note that all timings for every element of the entertainment schedule are subject to change due to weather conditions so please follow our social media channels for the latest updates.
Scheduled Mass Ascent (weather permitting)
6:00 am In The Clouds Opens
7:00 am Historic Balloons
7:00 am Model Balloons Display
Go With The Flow Family Yoga (Moon Stage)
7:30 am Story Telling With Siân Hughes (Moon Stage)
8:30 am Model Planes Display
9:00 am Special Shapes Sunday
11:00 am Brizzle Kicks (Children’s Entertainment Stage) Opens
12:00 pm BIMM Moon Stage (Live Music Stage) Opens
12:00 pm Avon Fire & Rescue Visit
12:00 pm The Rockets Motorbike Display Team
1:00 pm Thatchers Balloon Bar
1:00 pm Meet the Pilot & Model Balloon Display
3:00 pm Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast
3:50 pm Scheduled Mass Ascent (weather permitting)
6:00 pm – 6:15 pm Closing Ceremony
