Bristol International Balloon Fiesta returns this summer to celebrate its 44th year, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world to witness one of the most stunning sights in the UK.
The free event on the mansion grounds will feature four days of over 100 hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes taking off at dusk and dawn. The balloons will allow for taking in views of the city including - if the wind direction allows - views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
And the event, which runs from August 11 to 14, has announced its brand-new private enclosure - Sky Lounge, which will ensure guests get up close to the action in the ballooning arena.
READ MORE: Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2022 date and location announced - full details
Those purchasing Sky Lounge tickets, will witness the mass balloon ascents at 6am and 6pm, as well as two 'nightglows' away from the crowds. As well as this, they can expect a private grassed area close to the balloons along the arena fence line.
Huboo Sky Lounge hospitality includes garden seating for the perfect picnicking spot as well as free wi-fi for posting stunning images of the balloons. Guests will have access to a private bar and toilets as well as numerous kids activities from Junkfish, making the perfect spot for the whole family.
Tickets are now available for Saturday and Sunday morning (5.30 – 9.30am) and are priced at £15 per person (£10 for children under 16), and include a breakfast roll. Daytime tickets for Saturday and Sunday (12 – 7pm) are £20 per person (£15 for children under 16), for both timings under ones go free.
On Thursday and Saturday night the famous Nightglows will return, which will see the balloons light up in time with a soundtrack provided by BBC Radio Bristol, followed by a spectacular firework display. Sky Lounge Nightglow tickets are available from 8.30pm – midnight priced at £30 per person.
Nightglow tickets include a free drink on arrival as well as entertainment from legendary Bristol DJ collective, Terrace Soul. The Sky Lounge is brought to the fiesta in partnership with Huboo, a Bristol-headquartered eCommerce fulfilment provider helping online sellers grow by taking care of the picking, packing and posting of their products to customers globally.
CTO and co-founder and Huboo Paul Dodd said: “Bristol is famous for many great things, and the International Balloon Fiesta is definitely one of them so we’re proud to be a supporter of it this year. We call Bristol our home so we are excited to partner with the fiesta, and to see our own hot air balloon take to the skies along with many others. We’re looking forward to this great event.”
Don Cameron, founder and chairman of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, added: “After a difficult two years for our communities and of course many of our balloonists, we are delighted to be bringing the Fiesta back home to Ashton Court and introducing the Sky Lounge. We are hoping for sunny skies and light winds as many new balloons will take to the skies, alongside some old favourites from the UK and lots of international destinations.
"We’re proud to be able to continue putting on a show for Bristol and helping put the city on the map as a ballooning capital. We look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy the Fiesta from our new VIP area and the wider Ashton Court Estate.”
