Mass ascents make Bristol ballooning history
Balloons took of this morning during simultaneous ascents all across the city in a move never done before
Bristol ballooning history has been made after ascents this morning as part of the Fiesta Fortnight.
For the first time several mass ascents took place simultaneously from numerous locations across the city.
They included Queen's Square in the city centre, Hartcliffe's Bridge Learning Campus, Withywood’s Merchant’s Academy and Hanham Common, while our reporter James Diamond took off in one of five balloons at Cranford Park in Westbury on Trym.
All the locations were nominated for different reasons. For example Queen's Square was picked because it has been many years since the Fiesta launched from a city centre area.
Bridge Learning Campus was nominated by residents as a treat to local students, who rarely get to experience the ballooning activity from Hartcilffe.
Merchants Academy is another education establishment nominated by residents as a special treat for the children and staff who live nearby.
Hanham Common was chosen as it backs onto an old people’s home, nominated by residents as a special treat for those in the home, as well as one family whose child with learning disabilities isn't usually able to attend the fiesta.
While Canford Park was chosen on behalf of an elderly resident with a terminal illness; who cannot leave his house, so the balloons are being brought to him.
Over 700 nominees were submitted by locals to help pick the locations of where the balloons will take off – these included local parks, public spaces, car parks and streets.
The ascents all took place as part of the Fiesta Fortnight which was planned as a replacement to the traditional Fiesta, which could not go ahead because of coronavirus.
It's been possible thanks to a partnership between the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and sponsors Costa Coffee.
Chris Allcock, Chair of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta said: “This special edition of the fiesta is going to be something spectacular for the city and we are so thankful to Costa Coffee for partnering with us to help this happen.
"There were some clear winners and favourite locations for balloons to fly from, highlighted from the hundreds of suggestions from fiesta fans.
"This first flight at Elm Park was the first time the fiesta has ever flown from this part of the city.”
Nick Orrin, Director of Costa Express UK&I, said: “We are proud to partner with the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on such a fantastic event.
"After what has been an unprecedented time for many, we wanted to give something exciting to the Bristol community to enjoy."
You can watch our special video report on today's ascent above.