Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2022: Day One
Here's everything you need to know about the opening day of this year's Fiesta
Bristol could look its stunning best tonight with dozens of hot air balloons in the sky, because the city's International Balloon Fiesta is back!
The 44th edition of the event will run in its usual home of Ashton Court from today through till Sunday (August 11-14), with seven mass ascents planned in all.
The first is due at 6pm tonight.
Below you can see a full schedule of today's action:
12pm - Fiesta Opens
12:30pm - Tethered balloons and model balloons feature in the main arena
3pm - Hot air balloon teams inflation race
4pm - Sky dive
6pm - First mass ascent
8:30pm - Model balloons miniature glow
9pm - Nightglow
Throughout the day from 12pm till 6pm children's entertainers will also be performing on the new Brizzle Kicks stage, while live music will start on the bandstand at 2pm, with the last act due on at 6pm.
There will also be dozens of food and drink stalls dotted around the Ashton Court estate.
Unfortunately though a fireworks display that was planned at the end of tonight's Nightglow has been cancelled, because of the dry ground and the risk of wildfires.
The wind
Wind speeds are forecast to be light all throughout Thursday, meaning it is likely this evening's mass ascent will go ahead.
However, the forecast current predicts a northerly wind direction at 6pm, meaning the balloons would likely be pushed away from the city after take off.
That means people in central and north Bristol are unlikely to spot the balloons for very long, if at all.
As such, in order to get the best views you may want to make a special effort to get to or near Ashton Court, rather than just trying to watch from home or any other view point in the city.
It is worth noting however, that the forecast mentioned above is subject to change.
New additions
There are two new features at this year's Fiesta which have been announced in advance.
They are the Brizzle Kicks children's entertainment stage and a special VIP area called the Sky Lounge.
The Brizzle Kicks Stage is being run by Party Peeps and will feature a variety of acts including magic shows, dancing, live DJs and singers.
Children's TV stars Pip and Posy from the animated pre-school series on Sky Kids will also be making an appearance.
Speaking when plans for the stage were first announced, Party Peeps founder Jay Former said he could not contain his excitement.
"We’ve got a family-tastic line-up of entertainment and activities which are guaranteed to bring nothing but joy to the Brizzle Kicks stage," he said.
"There’s so much on the ground activity going on and so many things to experience at the Fiesta so make sure you head on down to Ashton Court this weekend.”
The Sky Lounge meanwhile offers punters a chance for an up close and personal view of the balloons as they take off, as well as the spectacular Nightglows, the first of which is tonight at 9pm.
Tickets range from £30 to £10 and offer access to a private grassed area close to the balloons, plus a private bar, street food and private toilets, as well as free Wi-Fi.
Sky Lounge tickets for tonight's Nightglow are already sold out but are still available for other days and can be bought via this link.
Don Cameron, founder of the Fiesta, says he is delighted to add the Sky Lounge this year, which has been set up in partnership with Bristol based eCommerce firm Huboo.
"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," he said.
"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.”
Visitor Information
This year getting to Ashton Court could prove more of a problem than in previous years as a shuttle bus service will not be provided from across Bristol.
In a statement published in July organisers blamed a national shortage of bus drivers, while saying they would extend the availability of cheaper parking tickets until the end of that month.
Fiesta Operations Director Ben Hardy said at the time they had exhausted all possible alternatives and encouraged people to either walk or cycle to the venue instead.
For the first time, for pedestrian safety and to help with traffic flow, the A370 will be closed in both directions from Winterstoke Road to the South Bristol Link Road on Thursday and Saturday night after the nightglow finishes at 10pm, until midnight.
Meanwhile there is car parking on site, but at a cost.
Today a space in the Fiesta's main "Red" car park will set you back £22 if you missed the initial release price, while a spot in the Blue car park will cost you £29.70.
Motorbike parking is cheaper, while prices do vary slightly depending on the day you book for.
There is no campsite at the Fiesta this year, while caravans and motorhomes in the event car parks are banned.
To prevent parking on the roads around the site there will also be various road closures in place including on Kennel Lodge Road, in Leigh Woods and Long Ashton, with access only allowed for residents.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge will also shut tonight and on Saturday evening from 6pm until midnight, to both traffic and pedestrians.
The Weather
Cloudless skies and high temperatures of 32 degrees celcius are forecast in Bristol today, so if you head to the Fiesta make sure you wear suncream, a hat and take plenty of water.
The wind is also forecast to be light, meaning tonight's first mass ascent looks likely to go ahead.
Visitors are being urged not to bring any barbeques or cooking stoves to the site because of the risk of wild fires during the hot, dry weather.
Similar conditions are forecast for all four days.
You can find more info on the Fiesta's website here.