Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Thursdays on social media are all about throwbacks – and with the 37^th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta starting today, I can think of no better time to reminisce…

My first experience of the balloon fiesta was last year, when I had no idea what to expect and to be perfectly honest couldn’t really see how hot air balloons would keep me entertained for that long. However, I had a great time and am really disappointed I won’t be there again this year!

So why should I go along?

If you have been before then you probably wouldn’t be asking that question. If you haven’t been before, when have you ever had the chance to see a mass ascent of hot air balloons in all sorts of different colours and shapes?! If that isn’t a big enough draw, there are a whole host of other attractions including aerial displays, musical performances, fairground rides and stalls. Oh, and it is all completely free!

What are the highlights?

I enjoyed the whole day – but the highlights were definitely at the start and end of the day! Breakfast and balloons was difficult to get up for (starts at 6am) but was well worth it. We were lucky with the weather, and the sunshine and clear skies made it even more spectacular. We saw a mass ascent of hot air balloons, whilst enjoying the delights of croissant and buck’s fizz – which I would recommend! At the other end of the day, was the night glow. The best way to describe this is to think of it as a bit like a balloon disco. Approximately 30 different balloons are inflated and then glow different colours in time to music. Different to anything I had seen before and a lot of fun!

Still not convinced?

Check out some of my photos from last year’s festival…