Bristol’s annual International Balloon Fiesta kicked off in style with a mass hot air balloon launch, which saw 25 fabulous hot air balloons take to the skies, on 7th August.
The weeklong celebration of all things hot air balloon was celebrating its 35th year and the mass launch was the perfect way to do so, according to some.
More than 150 hot air balloons from all over the world took up a place in the festival, which was attended by hundreds of thousands of visitors, all eager to catch a glimpse of their favourite hot air balloons.
This year, the festival was sponsored by Barton Willmore, an international consultancy that deals with planning and design issues. The firm helped to make this year’s festival the biggest annual hot air balloon festival in the whole of Europe.
During the week’s events, there were several mass hot air balloon flights – including a 77 balloon flight and a flight of 150 hot air balloons.
The festival really helped to boost Bristol’s economy, bringing in around half a million spectators who simply could not get enough of the colourful balloons that were on display for all to see.
This year’s festival also featured an official campsite, which meant that visitors could enjoy an overnight stay close to the festivities. Fairground rides, face painting and musical acts were also on site to ensure that the atmosphere was fun-filled and that the event was one of the most family friendly hot air balloon shows yet.
