Balloons Will Fly Over Bristol This Summer!

Bristolians can rejoice, for plans have been announced for a 2020 Balloon Fiesta “Flypast!”

Organisers of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta have announced plans for 2020, which will include activity in the sky and online, but no on-the-ground activity at Ashton Court due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

In order to adhere to the governmental guidelines around mass gatherings, the 2020 edition of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta cannot take place at Ashton Court as normal, but the show must go on.

Therefore organisers have announced the inaugural ‘Fiesta Flypast, which will see iconic balloons flying over the city this August.

The flypast will take place on a date to be selected between 1-14 August, with balloons taking to the skies over Bristol, bringing the unique joy that many of us have known since we were kids, hearing the burners and looking up to see colourful balloons above.

Chris Allcock, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Chair explains;

“We’re all deeply saddened that we can’t gather at Ashton Court to celebrate the 42nd Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, but we have been working with our balloonists and the authorities to create an event which adheres to the social distancing restrictions.

“We are inviting Bristolians to watch the balloons from the safety of their own doorsteps and gardens. Social distancing means we absolutely cannot gather in parks or Bristol’s open spaces or invite our audiences to see the balloons take off or land, to protect our pilots and the public. Instead we’re asking people to give them a wave as they fly past Bristol’s communities.”

For the second year running, organisers have teamed up with BBC Radio Bristol to provide another Balloon Fiesta staple, the nightglow. This year, there will be a virtual nightglow, staged with extra special additions and a soundtrack produced to lift the spirits of the city on Saturday 8th August.

The location of the events will remain private in order to adhere to government guidelines and Bristol audiences are urged to stay away from public spaces and protect the city from incurring any surge in Covid-19 as a result of the event.

Anyone who has already purchased car parking for the event will be able to log into the ticket platform to select a refund, which will be automatically processed within 25 days of selecting.

Those wishing to support the event through 2020 can select the option to donate their ticket, either the full, or partial amount, using the same process.

With just over one month to go to the traditional fiesta event dates, more information will be announced over the coming weeks. Follow the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.