Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2023: dates, tickets, schedule including Nightglow, parking

Bristol's spectacular ballon fiesta will return to the city this weekend and excitement is truly inflating!

The sky above the city will be full of the aircrafts over the coming days. Bristol Balloon Fiesta has been running since 1979 and is one of the largest events of its kind in Europe.

People from all over the world will bring their balloons to take part in the event.

Our sister website Bristol World will be providing coverage throughout the weekend. They have a list of road closures and what to expect.

If you are thinking of going, here’s all you need to know:

When is Bristol Balloon Fiesta?

The event starts on Thursday 10 August and runs until Sunday 13 August.

Mass ascents take place at 6am and 6pm, depending on the weather.

Where does it take place?

The Bristol Balloon Fiesta takes place at Ashton Court, an estate just outside Bristol.

If you are planning on attending, the full address is: Ashton Court, Bristol, BS41 9JN.

Do you need tickets?

It is a free event and you do not need tickets to attend the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

Tickets are available for the Sky Lounge, which is a private enclosure to watch the mass ascents.

What is the flight times and line-up?

The mass ascents will take place at 6am and 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - as well as 6pm on Thursday.

A number of other events will also take place throughout the day. Please note that all timings for every element of the entertainment schedule are subject to change due to weather conditions so please follow our social media channels for the latest updates.

Here is the full schedule for 2023:

Thursday

• 1pm - model balloons
• 2pm - historic balloon tethering
• 3pm - meet the teams
• 4pm - Reme parachute display team
• 5pm - model planes
• 5pm - special shapes tethering
• 6pm - mass ascent
• 7pm - model planes
• 8pm - model balloons glow
• 9pm - night glow

Friday

• 6am - mass ascent
• 7am - historic balloons/ model balloons
• 12.30pm - model planes
• 1.30pm - historic balloons
• 3pm - meet the balloon teams
• 4pm - Reme parachute display team
• 4.30pm - Bristol Bears rugby skills
• 4.45pm - inflation race
• 6pm - mass ascent

Saturday

• 6am - mass ascent
• 7am - historic balloons/ model balloons
• 12.30pm - model planes
• 1.30pm - historic balloons
• 2pm model balloons
• 3pm - meet the balloon teams
• 4pm - Reme parachute display team
• 4.45pm - inflation race
• 5pm - model planes
• 6pm - mass ascent
• 8pm - model balloon glows
• 9pm - night glow

Sunday

• 6am - mass ascent
• 7am - historic balloons/ model balloons
• 12.30pm - model planes
• 1.30pm - historic balloons
• 2pm model balloons
• 3pm - meet the balloon teams
• 4pm - Reme parachute display team
• 4.45pm - inflation race
• 5pm - model planes
• 6pm - mass ascent

Is there parking?

If you are travelling to Ashton Court by car, there is parking available.

Directions to the car parks are signposted from all routes into the fiesta.

However, all car park tickets must be purchased in advance and are single entry only.

Tickets are non-refundable even in cases where the balloons do not fly.

Visit Bristol Balloon Fiesta’s website to purchase tickets for car park.

Where is the best place to watch?

The festival has confirmed the best spots to watch - and it includes the sky lounge!