The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta took place over the weekend, attracting thousands of visitors to the city to enjoy the spectacular sights of mass hot air balloon ascents.
The event is one of the most anticipated on the Bristolian calendar, and the largest hot air balloon festival in Europe. This year saw its return for the 39th time.
This year’s event welcomed more than 200 hot air balloons, which took to the skies during the four-day celebration, which started on Thursday, August 10, and this made for some magnificent views and gave Bristolians and visitors the opportunity to take some stunning photos.
The scheduled morning mass ascents were particularly successful, giving everyone waking up in the city a different and breathtaking view to wake up to. This was in contrast to the evening ascents, which were heavily affected by bad weather and saw the cancellation of two ascents on the Thursday and Saturday evenings because of high winds. Despite this, the Sunday evening mass ascent saw the balloons take to the sky for one final hurrah before the end of the Fiesta.
The night glow was a favourite among event visitors, as thousands gathered at the Ashton Court Estate. The glow saw balloon pilots lighting their burners in time to music to illuminate the night sky. This year’s event featured a musical tribute to Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington, who passed away earlier in the year.
Those who were inspired by the sighting of the balloons can enquire about taking their own hot air balloon rides in Bristol.
