Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Takes Flight as City Wakes to Colourful Skies
The skies above Bristol were a dazzling canvas of colour this morning as dozens of hot air balloons drifted gracefully into the distance, marking the start of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
The annual event, held at the scenic Ashton Court Estate, saw balloons of all shapes and sizes lift off shortly after sunrise, painting the skyline in a spectacular display that could be seen for miles.
Local resident Rachel from Hotwells captured a striking image from across the harbour, showing the balloons floating serenely over the city. Her snapshot is one of many shared by onlookers eager to preserve the morning’s magic.
BBC Points West’s Ross Pollard, reporting live from Ashton Court, shared the excitement with BBC Radio Somerset presenter Charlie Taylor: balloons are “going across to Bath.”
“It’s amazing here this morning,” he said. “Most of the balloons took off in the last half an hour. It looks incredible here. Lots of balloons in the distance I can see going over the city.
They’ll be going over Keynsham and across to Bath from what we understand. I’ve been dragged here by my family for many years since I was a child. I’ve been here more times they haven’t gone up than they have.”
Crowds gathered from before dawn to witness the mass ascent a sight that has become a cherished summer tradition in the South West. Families wrapped in blankets sipped on hot drinks, children pointed skywards, and cameras clicked in unison as the balloons gently rose into the golden light.
There were some unexpected moments too. The BBC’s own hot air balloon, equipped with an onboard camera, initially appeared to have landed in Kelston Park between Saltford and Bath, only for it to later be confirmed that the descent ended at Bristol Baseball Club, just north of Keynsham.
Several other balloons also touched down nearby, their journeys dictated by the morning winds.
For those who missed the spectacle, BBC Points West will broadcast live from the Balloon Fiesta tonight from 6.30pm on BBC One in the West, offering another glimpse of the event’s vibrant atmosphere.
With more flights planned over the coming days, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta promises yet again to be a breathtaking celebration of colour, community, and sky-high adventure.
