Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2024: Everything we know so far about the new event programme

Ellie Kendall

27 June 2024 at 6:58 am·7-min read

Hot air balloons at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in 2018 — -Credit: (Image: Bristol Live)

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a staple in the city's events calendar. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the city - and Ashton Court Estate - each year, from far and wide, to enjoy the iconic sight of hundreds of hot air balloons taking to the skies (if weather allows) across multiple days of mass ascents, night glows and more.

The 2024 event, marking the 46th Bristol Balloon Fiesta, will see a number of changes to dates and other parts of its programme, all part of an ambitious five-year plan to help the Fiesta 'soar to new heights' ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2028 and also keep the event going for generations to come.

We've compiled a guide to everything we know so far about this year's event. From getting there and parking, to local community and hero nominations, what else you can see and do at the Fiesta and, of course, when the balloons will be out in full view for all the city to enjoy.

We'll be updating this page as we get more information, ahead of the start of the Fiesta in August...

When and where is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2024 taking place? And when will the mass ascents and Night Glows be?

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2024 takes place between August 5 and 11 this year. From Monday, August 5, to Thursday, August 8 Fiesta Week will see community launches taking place at chosen spots across Bristol. You can nominate your local community to be the spot for one of these launches, as well as local heroes from your community who may be fortunate to receive a balloon ride during the week, by clicking here.

From Friday, August 9, to Sunday, August 11, the Fiesta will return to Ashton Court Estate for (hopefully) six mass ascents - one each morning and one each evening - and two Night Glow events (taking place on the Friday and Saturday nights). Ascents usually take place around 6am and 6pm, while the Night Glows have previously been scheduled for around 9pm.

The visitor map for the Balloon Fiesta can be found here.

Do you need tickets for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2024?

The Fiesta is a free and unticketed event - a key part of the Fiesta' ethos. However, if you would like to arrive by car to the event, you will need a car parking ticket (see below) which is non-refundable regardless of changes to the programme and weather.

You can also make a donation to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta here.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta launch their community launch campaign ahead of this year's Fiesta by flying over the city with a location pin on June 17 -Credit:Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Can you camp at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2024?

There is no official campsite at the Fiesta and organisers recommend anyone hoping to camp looks for a site near to Ashton Court, in order to enable you to be in walking distance of the Fiesta each day and enjoy balloons overhead as you eat your breakfast. Due to the logistics of parking hundreds of vehicles of different shapes and sizes, caravans and large motor homes are not allowed in the Balloon Fiesta car parks.

However, if you have a standard car, or van sized camper, you will be allowed to park it on site. There is no overnight parking allowed in the car parks, though.

Parking and travelling to the Fiesta - everything you need to know

Parking

Bristol Beacon is the official Bristol International Balloon Fiesta ticketing partner. All car parking, Sky Lounge and shuttle bus tickets are issued by Bristol Beacon.

If you can't find your car parking tickets in your inbox, check your spam folder for an email from boxoffice@bristolbeacon.org. You can also view and download your purchased e-tickets at anytime by logging into My Account.

Car park tickets are not included with any Sky Lounge or Access Viewing Area tickets. If you wish to travel by car, you will need to buy a car parking ticket.

Train

The closest train station to the Fiesta is Bristol Temple Meads, served by our travel partner GWR. Find out more at GWR.com.

Shuttle buses

Shuttle buses depart from Bristol Temple Meads train station and Bristol Bus and Coach Station and go directly to the Fiesta site. Return journeys depart the Fiesta site and return to Bristol Temple Meads.

Cycling

Those wishing to cycle can take ‘Festival Way’ - a traffic-free path connecting the city to Ashton Court Estate and beyond. Starting in Bristol, you can use the National Cycling Route 33, which takes you on a traffic-free path from Queens Square out of the city via Cumberland Road.

Crossing the River Avon you join Kennel Lodge Road as you enter Ashton Court. There is bike parking available on-site by the Mansion House and the Fallow Deer Park. For details on the cycling route and link to an OS map, visit the Sustrans website.

Walking

For those on foot, there are two main routes into the Fiesta site from Bristol City Centre; via Festival Way or via the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Festival Way, Route 33 on the Cycle Route Network is a great walk from the city centre. Head to the Sustrans website for full details.

Taxi

Ask your taxi driver to follow the road signs to the designated drop off/pick up location, which is a short walk from the event site. This is the Long Ashton Park and Ride point. Please note this is only operating as a drop-off point during the fiesta and you will not be able to park your vehicle.

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will host the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships (The Nationals) in 2024 — The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will host the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships (pictured) in 2024 -Credit:Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

What else can you expect to see and do at this year's Fiesta?

In addition to the balloons, live entertainment, food and drink stalls, fairground and more, this year's Fiesta will also welcome the British National Balloon Championships to both the local community launches and the Ashton Court Estate's main ballooning arena. Described as an "incredible addition to the programme". British National Hot Air Balloon Championships (The Nationals) will be part of the event's new 'Fiesta Week' community launch programme which, organisers say, will provide the people of Bristol with more chance than ever before to see balloons in flight (if the weather allows).

The Nationals, which began in the 1970s, will involve approximately 15 teams of balloonists taking flight twice a day, from the evening of Tuesday, August 6, to the morning of Sunday, August 11. Competitors will fly over the city and surrounding areas, with this being the first time the competition has taken place in Bristol. And some of the country's best balloonists will be taking part.

Here's the schedule so far for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Ashton Court (correct at time of writing but subject to change and with more events possibly set to be added to the programme):

Friday

6am: Scheduled mass ascent
8am: British National Balloon Championships Fiesta Challenge
12pm: Brizzle Kicks (Children's Entertainment stage) opens
6pm: Scheduled mass ascent (weather permitting)
9pm: Night Glow

Saturday

6am: Scheduled mass ascent (weather permitting)
8am: British National Balloon Championships Fiesta Challenge
12pm: Brizzle Kicks (Children's Entertainment stage) opens
6pm: Scheduled mass ascent (weather permitting)
9pm: Night Glow

Sunday

6am: Scheduled mass ascent (weather permitting)
12pm: Brizzle Kicks (Children's Entertainment stage) opens
6pm: Scheduled mass ascent (weather permitting)
8pm: British National Balloon Championships Fiesta Challenge

Are dogs allowed at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta?

Dogs are welcome at the Fiesta, however due to a busy site organisers ask that they are kept on a lead and dog owners pick up any dog litter. It's also worth remembering that some dogs are, in fact, scared of hot air balloons.

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