Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2024: Day Two
Everything you need to know for Day Two of the Fiesta
The 2024 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is now well underway with, hopefully, two mass ascents and a nightglow due to take place later on.
Weather depending, Saturday's activity should begin at 6am with the day's first ascent, though the wind could cause a problem. Gusts approaching 30 miles an hour are forecast early this morning.
The good news is it is due to be sunny and warm, with little cloud cover and high temperatures around 23 degrees.
The full schedule for today is as follows:
6\am – Mass ascent featuring up to 100 balloons
7\am – British National Hot Air Balloon Champs
8\am – Model balloons in the arena
8:45am – Historic balloons in the arena
10\am – Thatchers big apple race
10:45am – Police dog display
12\pm – Brizzle Kicks children’s entertainment stage opens
12\pm – Moon stage opens
12\pm - 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
5\pm – Motorbike stunt team performance
6\pm – Mass ascent featuring up to 100 balloons
7:30pm - Samba band performance
8\pm – Model balloons nightglow
9\pm – Nightglow
The wind
Part of the allure of hot air ballooning is the fact they simply float through the air, following the wind. As such where they will fly depends on the wind direction.
Saturday's wind direction is forecast to start from the South South West, meaning if they do go up in the morning they are likely to float past the Clifton Suspension Bridge and out towards South Gloucestershire.
As the day goes on the wind is due to swing round more from the West, meaning if the evening ascent goes ahead, the are more likely to fly over the city centre and roughly towards Bath.
Whether the gusts end up being too strong remains to be seen.
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 11:30pm, 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.
This evening the Clifton Suspension Bridge will be shut to all traffic including pedestrians, from 6pm until midnight.
If you'd like to find out more information about the Fiesta, visit the event website via this link.