News / bristol balloon fiesta

College Green is ground for Balloon Fiesta lift-off

By Karen Johnson  Wednesday Jul 24, 2024

A fleet of colourful balloons took off from College Green at dawn on Wednesday as a curtain raiser for the much loved Balloon Fiesta.

Residents awoke to views of around 20 hot air balloons soaring high across Bristol’s skyline. The event was planned to kickstart the 46th edition of the Fiesta, taking place August 9-11.

Bristol24/7 was lucky to take a seat in the first basket, rising in sheer excitement and waving to onlookers along the way.

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While the initial take-off was scheduled for 6am, weather disruptions caused a half hour delay and the first balloon took off at around 6.35am.

The launch included two unique shapes, a One Eyed Monster and the J&B Bottle tether, as well as the classic hot air balloons.

The One Eyed Monster was anchored on College Green, where a thrilled crowd applauded and took pictures – photo: Robert Browne

With over 120 hot air balloons registered to take part in the 2024 Fiesta, the event is anticipating a nostalgic lineup with the return of beloved classics including Rupert the Bear, Thomas the Tank Engine, Action May, Pipy the Scottish Piper, Buster and Bella the Bulldogs, Astro the Alien and Wallace and Gromit’s Moon Rocket.

A J&B Bottle shaped alloon was one of the unique shapes visible on Wednesday morning – photo: Robert Browne

This year’s event also boasts of playing host to the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships, with approximately 15 balloon teams competing to win.

The Thatchers Big Apple Race will add a new layer of fun as participants compete in pushing inflated apples across the finish line, and Solent Stars Youth Motorcycle Stunt Team will perform attention-grabbing tricks.

 

The otherwise free-to-attend event offers festival goers the chance to select from a number of hospitality packages including a VIP experience with dedicated Wi-Fi, private toilets and a cash bar.

Main photo: Robert Browne

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