Full Breakdown
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2026: Schedule, Highlights, and Accessibility Concerns
8/7/2026, 11:19:59 PM
Event Overview
The 48th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta runs from Friday, August 7, to Sunday, August 9, 2026 at Ashton Court Estate outside Bristol. The three-day festival is free, with charges for on-site parking and optional hospitality packages. All hot-air balloons launch from the estate, and the event’s signature “Nightglow” displays also take place there.
Programme Highlights
- Mass ascents twice daily (?6 a.m. and 6 p.m.) on each day, weather permitting.
- Nightglow evenings on Friday and Saturday at ?9 p.m.; up to 25 tethered balloons illuminate to music.
- RAF Falcons Display Team free-fall parachute displays at ?4:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph.
- Battle of Britain Memorial Flight C-47 Dakota fly-past scheduled for Sunday at 3:50 p.m.
- Ground attractions: live music on the Moon Stage, children’s entertainment on the Brizzle Kicks Stage, a funfair, food stalls, and the “In The Clouds” immersive balloon-inside experience.
Data & Statistics
- >100 balloons expected, up from 65 in 2024.
- Six mass ascents across the weekend.
- Two Nightglow events featuring up to 25 balloons each.
Accessibility Issues
The regular mobility-scooter supplier withdrew in late 2024, leaving the event without a hire service for the 2026 weekend. The Fiesta’s website lists an accessible viewing area at the bottom of the main arena, which must be pre-booked; each ticket admits one disabled person and one carer, with proof of eligibility potentially requested on site.
Official Statements & Responses
- Ben Hardy, executive director, said, “Bristol’s passion for ballooning is as strong as ever, and we’re hugely grateful.”
- The communications team apologized for the scooter shortage and directed visitors to the online accessibility page for details on accessible parking, toilets, and viewing areas.
Traffic, Parking and Visitor Guidance
- On-site parking must be purchased in advance; Blue and Red Car Parks use a single-entry ticket system, and disabled parking is available at the Orange Gate for Blue-Badge holders.
- Road closures affect routes around Ashton Court, with the Clifton Suspension Bridge closed to all traffic from 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Drivers are advised to use M5 Junction 19 (north) or Junction 21 (south) and follow event signage rather than relying solely on sat-nav directions.
- Public-transport options include a shuttle between Bristol Temple Meads and the Fiesta, plus cycling routes via Festival Way and National Cycle Route 33.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bristol's passion for ballooning is as strong as ever, and we're hugely grateful.” — Ben Hardy, executive director of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
