News / bristol balloon fiesta
40 special shapes to help celebrate Balloon Fiesta’s 40th anniversary
A peanut, lion, owl, superbike and birthday cake will all be coming to this year’s Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
They are among 40 special shapes that will be tethered throughout the 40th anniversary of the world famous event at Ashton Court.
Some of the shapes like the birthday cake balloon have never been seen in Bristol before, while others such as Bertie Bassett have not visited the city in more than a decade.
is needed now More than ever
Liquorice legend Bertie Bassett has not been seen at the Balloon Fiesta since 2003 – photo by Karen Roe
Balloon Fiesta founder and chairman Don Cameron said: “The 40th anniversary is a huge milestone so it’s only right that we bring something truly special to celebrate this. And there’s nothing the crowd loves more than special shapes.
“We have some of the most iconic shapes we’ve seen at the Fiesta over the years, the likes of Bertie Bassett, the Michelin Man and the superbike have long been a favourite of the crowds and it will be wonderful to see them in the arena once again.”
The first Balloon Fiesta in 1979 was staged by the Bristol Junior Chamber of Commerce & Shipping and featured just 27 air balloons.
Today is is firmly established as Europe’s largest annual hot air balloon festival, with hundreds of balloons taking to the skies every year.
The 2018 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes place from August 9 to 12. For more information, visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
Simbaloo – photo by Jess Siggers
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
