Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2024: Day Three

Two more mass ascents are planned on the Fiesta's final day

Author: James DiamondPublished 11th Aug 2024

This year's edition of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will come to an end this evening after another day of activity in Ashton Court.

In theory two more mass ascents are planned at 6am and 6pm, while more action is expected in the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships.

Today is due to be the hottest day of the three with max temperatures expected in the high 20s, so if you are planning to visit, make sure you take sun cream and plenty of water.

The wind

Thankfully, the wind is due to be less strong than on Friday and Saturday, particularly this morning, meaning the days first mass ascent will hopefully go ahead.

However, the direction of the wind could be unusual, forecast at time of writing, to be South South East.

If they do go up, that means they could be pushed towards the Severn Estuary and by the evening the wind is due to be pushing even further Eastward.

Visitor information

People wanting to visit the Fiesta are strongly encouraged to come by public transport, or on foot.

A shuttle bus service will operate today between Bristol Temple Meads and Ashton Court from 10am until 9:30pm, while the m2 metrobus service follows a similar route, stopping at the Long Ashton Park and Ride which is a very short walk from the site.

Coming by car is possible with parking available on site but it comes at a cost. Tickets are available to purchase here.

Alternatively for anyone wishing to walk or cycle, the Festival Way active travel route is open.

Starting in Bristol, you can use the National Cycling Route 33, which takes you on a traffic-free path from Queens Square out of the city via Cumberland Road. Crossing the River Avon you join Kennel Lodge Road as you enter Ashton Court.

There is bike parking available on-site by the Mansion House and the Fallow Deer Park. For details on the cycling route and link to an OS map please visit the Sustrans website here.

If you'd like to find out more information about the Fiesta, visit the event website via this link.

Schedule

The schedule for Sunday at the Fiesta is as follows:

6am – Mass ascent featuring up to 100 balloons

7am – British National Hot Air Balloon Champs

8am – Model balloons in the arena

8:45am – Historic balloons in the arena

10am – Thatchers big apple race

10:45am – Police dog display

12pm – Brizzle Kicks children’s entertainment stage opens

12pm – Moon stage opens

12pm - Motorbike stunt team performance

12:45pm – Historic balloons in the arena

2:30pm – Inflation race

3:30pm – Meet the pilots

4:15pm – Model planes in the arena

5pm – Motorbike stunt team performance

6pm – Final mass ascent featuring up to 100 balloons

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