News / bristol balloon fiesta

Thousands attend first day of Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2023

By Charlie Watts  Friday Aug 11, 2023

The mass ascent may have been cancelled but that didn’t stop thousands from enjoying the first day of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Thursday.

Red smoke just after 6pm signalled that the weather was too windy for what would have been the first time balloons took to the sky at the festival on a Thursday.

Instead, balloons were tethered in the grounds of Ashton Court, including a vintage Sonic the Hedgehog balloon which was last seen at the fiesta a couple of decades ago.

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As the evening went on, the huge crowds sang Hey Jude and Sweet Caroline in unison as they waited eagerly for the epic night glow.

After 9pm, the glow got underway, as dozens of balloons were lit up to music to mark the opening day of the fiesta.

For those that missed the opening day, the fiesta continues until Sunday, with (weather permitting) more mass ascents planned for 6am and 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as another night glow at 9pm on Saturday.

Main photo: Charlie Watts

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