Every year since I can remember I have been going to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and each year I always put it in my calendar. Its another reason why I love Bristol. The event runs every year for four days (Thurs-Sun) in August and is the largest annual meeting of hot air balloons in Europe. The city has plenty of great vantage points to see the balloons, such as the downs overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge, but I always venture to Ashton Court for the full experience of the ascent and the Night Glow which happens on the thursday and saturday evenings.
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| Balloon Photo Fail from James |
A few years ago I was also lucky enough to win a competition with Silverline Tools to go up in their balloon from the fiesta on the Sunday morning. It required one hell of an early start but it was totally worth it and I was so jealous of all the passengers this year as it's so phenomenal. I've added a few sneaky photos of that here.
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| It's not all glamorous floating in the sky. Getting in the basket was a bit of a workout. |
The night glows draw huge crowds and the atmosphere is electric. For those of you who are uninitiated to what a night glow is, between 20-30 hot air balloons inflate during darkness and then illuminate in time to music. I mean if you haven't seen hot air balloons effectively dance to Adele and Coldplay then you really need to. Then to top it all off there is an amazing fireworks display.
If there is anyone out there reading this who has the magic power to get me up in another balloon at next years fiesta then hit me up as it's something I am desperate to do again.
Love Rachel x
(Balloon Enthusiast)