The most magical event in Bristol is finally upon us after a patient wait - it’s time to see the skies come alive with colour at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
Earlier this week festival organisers confirmed that the prime location to see the balloons this year is on site at Ashton Court. This is due a north-easterly wind that will blow the balloons slightly off course and meaning they will have to change their landing locations too.
The 2022 edition of the fiesta - between August 11 and August 14 - is likely to be its hottest ever and organisers have warned to bring your hats, plenty of sunscreen and water if you’re planning on attending. Conditions are so far looking good for the ascents although be wary that this is subject to change on the day.
Read more: Balloon Fiesta - only way to guarantee seeing mass balloon ascents is from Ashton Court
It’s time to plan your schedule and work out what you want to see this year - the festival organisers have curated an impressive roster of events to celebrate its return in 2022. Here’s all you need to know about this year’s event, including ascent timings, music line ups and more:
Fiesta timetable - ascent timings
Thursday
12pm: Gates open to public
The first day of the fiesta kicks off at midday, with hot air balloons tethering throughout the afternoon (weather-permitting). Ashton Court will be filled with family activities, live music, traders, five public bars and street food stalls.
12pm : Model Balloons; 12.30pm : Model Balloons; 3pm : Inflation Race; 4pm : Skydive
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6pm: Mass ascent
The first official ascent will be in memory of prolific balloonist and fiesta friend Phil Dunnington. The balloons prepare, inflate and ascend from the bowl.
9pm: Night Glow
Around 20 balloons will gather, tethered to the ground, for the Night Glow. Be aware that there is no fireworks display this year due to the increased risk of fires in the hot weather.
Friday
6am: Morning Mass Ascent
The early morning will kick off with the first mass ascent of the festival with up to 100 hot air balloons gathering from all over the world to inflate and fly the skies over Bristol.
11am : Model Balloons; 12pm : Model Planes; 1pm : Tethered Balloons; 3.30pm : Inflation Race; 4pm : Skydive
Don’t miss
6pm: Afternoon Mass Ascent
Balloons of all shapes and sizes will be taking off in the early evening sunshine for their dusk ascent.
Saturday
6am: Morning Mass Ascent
Another chance to see the morning skies come alive with balloons of all shapes and sizes at the crack of dawn.
10am : GWAAC helicopter tours; 11am : Model Balloons; 11.30am : Broke FMX; 12pm : Model Planes; 1pm : Tethered Balloons; 2pm : Inflation Race; 4pm : Skydive; 5pm : Broke FMX
6pm: Mass Ascent
9pm: Night Glow
The second Night Glow event of the festival is set to conclude the penultimate day. Both Thursday and Saturday will see Clifton Suspension Bridge close to the public from 6pm until 12pm as it would be unable to cope with the amount of pedestrians leaving the fiesta.
Sunday
6am: Morning Mass Ascent
The final morning mass ascent with take place as usual at dawn - weather permitting.
11am : Model Planes; 11.30am : Model Balloons; 12.30 : Broke FMX; 1pm : Tethered Balloons; 2pm : Inflation Race; 4pm : Skydive; 5pm : Broke FMX
6pm: Mass Ascent
This will be the last chance to see the hot air balloons launch from Ashton Court Estate for this year’s fiesta.
Which novelty-shaped balloons will be launched this year?
Applications have closed to register your interest to fly in a balloon at this year’s fiesta but there is still plenty to do and see on site.
While organisers are keen to keep some of the unique balloons under wraps this year, they have confirmed that there will be some recognisable exciting shapes. Firm favourites the Queen’s Guard, the Orange and the Sheep will be making a comeback.
Previous years have seen the face of Darth Vader, the Tatinger and the Minion.
Other things you need to know
Are dogs welcome on site?
Dogs are permitted but due to a busy site organisers ask that you please keep them on the lead and pick up any dog litter. However, with temperatures expected to hit 35 degrees across the weekend and limited shade on site, organisers say it might be better to leave dogs at home this year.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes - there are three main areas for toilets at Ashton Court and two disabled toilet areas. These are situated by the fairground, near the carousel and by the medical centre. There is another disabled toilet by the mobility scooter area.
Is there food and drink on site?
There are six bars on site and more than 40 food stalls selling street food, fairground favourites and cakes.
You can find the full list here: All the food you can expect to see at this year's festival
Music line-up
There is plenty of entertainment and live music to keep you occupied in between the balloon ascents, with an eclectic lineup of artists taking to the Bandstand this year. From sea shanties sung by the port of Bristol Shanty Crew to the country ballads of Taynee Lord.
Thursday:
- 2pm: Sebastian Hawley
- 3pm: Zoe Newton
- 4pm: Angella Corinna
- 5pm: Harri Mason
- 6pm: Shaun McCrindle’s Journey of Song
- 7pm: Taynee Lord
Friday:
- 2pm: Karen Swan
- 2.30pm: The Port of Bristol Shanty Crew
- 3pm: Nika
- 4pm: Brian Inglis
- 5pm: Shayler & Brooke
- 6pm: Lille Rode
Saturday:
- 12.30pm: Nigel G Lowndes
- 1.30pm: Barry Walsh
- 2.30pm: Sharon Lazybyrd
- 3.30pm: Tim Davine
- 4.30pm: Jad Reza
- 5.30pm: J*M*A
- 6.30pm: Maaike Siegerist
Sunday:
- 1pm: Rock Choir
- 2pm: Scarlett Loran
- 2.30pm: The Port of the Bristol Shanty Crew
- 3pm: Reverend Bob and the Devil - May Cares
- 4pm: Lily Ashby
- 5pm: Liberators
- 6pm: Harri Mason Band
Plan your visit: