Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Hot air balloons take to city skies to launch annual fiesta

Eighteen balloons set off early on Wednesday morning.

Claire Hayhurst
Wednesday 24 July 2024 09:49 EDT
Hot air balloons lift off beside Bristol Cathedral (Ben Birchall/PA)
Hot air balloons lift off beside Bristol Cathedral (Ben Birchall/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A fleet of colourful hot air balloons took off from the centre of Bristol to mark the countdown to the city’s annual fiesta.

Eighteen balloons launched from College Green, taking in views of Bristol Cathedral, City Hall and the historic harbour early on Wednesday morning.

Passing commuters stopped to watch the balloons set off and admire model balloons and special shapes that were tethered on the green.

The 46th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which is free to attend, will return to Ashton Court Estate in the city from August 9 to 11.

More than 120 balloons are registered to attend the event, which aims to celebrate Bristol and its historic links to hot air ballooning – with the first recorded flight in the city dating back to the 18th century.

Mass ascents, in partnership with The Eco Scheme, are scheduled at dawn and just before dusk throughout the festival, if weather conditions allow.

On Friday and Saturday, visitors to the festival can stay beyond nightfall and experience nightglows, in which dozens of balloons inflate and use their burners to glow in time to music.

There will be specially shaped balloons including Rupert the Bear, Thomas the Tank Engine, Action Man, Pipy the Scottish Piper, Buster and Bella the Bulldogs, Astro the Alien, and Wallace & Gromit’s Moon Rocket.

This year’s event will also host the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships, which will see 15 balloon teams compete twice a day.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in