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Bristol Hot Air Balloon Festival

Fly Amongst 100 Hot Air Balloons at the Iconic Bristol Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2027

Every August, 300,000 people fill Ashton Court and think exactly the same thing: “Imagine being in one of those balloons.” They unfold deckchairs, lift phones to the sky, and watch around a hundred balloons rise together at sunrise and sunset. And they’re not alone — the rest of Bristol watches from rooftops, parks, harbour walls, and back gardens as the sky comes alive. Yet 99% of them never leave the ground…

But the view they search for is only half the story. The real Fiesta isn’t on the ground looking up — it’s in the sky, floating inside the picture. One flight puts you there.

Bristol is the birthplace of European ballooning, and for more than forty years the International Balloon Fiesta has been the city’s signature. Flying here isn’t just another ride — it’s the true version of the experience everyone else only captures from the grass.

Ballooning at the Fiesta is totally exhilarating and zen. One moment you’re in the middle of a field with around 100 balloons — burners roaring, envelopes thrashing side to side, thousands of people everywhere, pure controlled chaos.

The next? Total silence. The roar fades. The ground drifts away.

You’re floating amongst around 100 balloons of every shape and colour — a huge, slow-motion carnival drifting across the sky, and you’re right in the heart of it.

You wave to strangers in the next basket. They wave back. You’re the view everyone came to photograph.

After 45–60 minutes comes the gentle bump of landing in a field you’ll never find again — often with a few other balloons touching down beside you.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta flights are extremely limited and in huge demand. If you’ve ever looked up and thought “one day”, this is that day.

Exciting. Peaceful. Completely unreal.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta Flights

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Your Flight Experience

Inclusions

~1 Hour Flight TimeApproximately one hour of breathtaking balloon flight surrounded by approx 100 balloons all around you.

Hands-On ExperienceGet involved with the set-up and pack-away for a fun, behind-the-scenes look at ballooning.

In-Flight CommentaryLearn about ballooning, navigation, and the local area from your experienced pilot.

Free GoPro Footage (If Possible) & 3D Flight TrackReceive complimentary flight footage and a 3D flight track to relive your journey.

Fully InsuredComplete flight and ground insurance is included for your peace of mind.

Safety BriefingA comprehensive passenger safety briefing before every flight.

Duration

Bristol Balloon Fiesta flights include approximately 45–60 minutes air-time. The full experience lasts around 3 hours, including set-up, packing away, and your return journey to Ashton Court.

Parking

We recommend you book parking at the official Bristol Balloon Fiesta Website - https://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

Cancellation

If your fiesta flight is canceled your voucher will remain valid for 18 months and can be redeemed for the equivalent experience i.e a private or shared flight (excluding future fiesta flights). Please note that any additional ticket price paid for the original booking is non-refundable under any circumstances.

Weather

Balloon Flights are highly dependent on weather conditions and will only proceed if deemed safe by the flight director on the day of the event.

Accessibility

We unfortunately do not offer wheelchair-accessible flights. Please get in touch with us to discuss your needs and we’ll happily advise.

Locations

The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is located at Ashton Court, which is situated to the south-west of Bristol City Centre.

Communication

You’ll receive all the right information a few days before the fiesta via email and SMS.

Why Choose Fly Away?

Smaller Groups, Better Experience

Family-Run & Personally Operated

Simple Booking & Rebooking

Real-Time Availability

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Bristol Fiesta Itinerary

Book

Once booked for a selected flying slot, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your payment details and important notes.

Day Before

You will receive an email and/or SMS from us with the specific times you need to arrive at the passenger boarding point within Ashton Court.

Balloon Flight

Experience an unforgettable 45-minute to 1-hour of flying. This 3-4 hour activity includes setup, the flight, packing up, and the return trip.

Return Trip

We’ll bring you back to the meeting location about 3-3.5 hours after your arrival.

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About Fiesta Flights

Booking & Terms

Passenger Requirements

About Fiesta Flights

What happens after I book my Bristol Balloon Fiesta flight?

Once your fiesta flight is booked you’ll receive a confirmation email containing your payment details and any important information you’ll need for your fiesta flight.

One to two days before the event you will receive an email and SMS from us with the specific times you need to arrive at the passenger boarding point within Ashton Court.

Where do I park at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta?

We recommend you book parking at the official Bristol Balloon Fiesta Website - https://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

Booking & Terms

Will my Bristol Balloon Fiesta flight go ahead?

Balloon flights are highly dependent on weather conditions and will only proceed if deemed safe by the flight director on the day of the event.

If your fiesta flight is canceled your voucher will remain valid for 18 months and can be redeemed for the equivalent experience i.e a private or shared flight (excluding future fiesta flights).

Terms & Conditions

Are Bristol Balloon Fiesta flights refundable?

No, fiesta flights are non-refundable under any circumstances and cannot be deferred to the following year's Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

If your fiesta flight is canceled your voucher will remain valid for two years and can be redeemed for the equivalent experience i.e a private or shared flight (excluding future fiesta flights).

Terms & Conditions

Can I reschedule during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta?

Due to high demand and limited availability during the fiesta, we are unable to accommodate requests for rescheduling.

If your fiesta flight is canceled your voucher will remain valid for 18 months and can be redeemed for the equivalent experience i.e a private or shared flight (excluding future fiesta flights).

Terms & Conditions

Are the Bristol Fiesta flight premiums refundable?

Fiesta flight premiums are non-refundable under any circumstances as they reflect the additional costs associated with participating in this unique event.

If your fiesta flight is canceled your voucher will remain valid for 18 months and can be redeemed for the equivalent experience i.e a private or shared flight (excluding future fiesta flights).

Terms & Conditions

What happens if my 2027 Bristol Balloon Fiesta flight is canceled?

If your fiesta flight is canceled your voucher will remain valid for 18 months and can be redeemed for the equivalent experience i.e a private or shared flight (excluding future fiesta flights). Please note that any additional ticket price paid for the original booking is non-refundable under any circumstances.

Terms & Conditions

Passenger Requirements

What is the age limit for a balloon ride?

Whilst there is no maximum age limit for ballooning, a child under the age of 7 years is not able to fly with us due to safety regulations.

Is there a weight limit?

For safety reasons related to weight-to-volume ratios, we’re unable to accommodate passengers over 18 stone (115 kg) on shared flights, unless a weight supplement is applied. This requires purchasing two flight vouchers, allowing us to adjust passenger numbers to maintain a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.

Can I fly if I’m pregnant ?

Unfortunately, for safety reasons, we cannot fly you at any stage of pregnancy. If you become pregnant during your voucher's validity, you can extend your voucher via your customer portal, or alternatively, WhatsApp, email, or call the office to arrange. Extensions cost £25 per person for 6 months or £50 per person for 12 months.

Terms & Conditions

Am I fit to fly?

Generally, anyone can partake in ballooning. You need to be able to climb in and out the basket, stand unassisted for about an hour, and be able to bend your knees briefly to absorb the impact. Passengers must be able to fully understand and follow all instructions provided by the pilot. Non-English speakers are welcome, but please let us know in advance so we can ensure clear communication.

Our balloon basket features a door for easy entry and exit, though its use may sometimes be restricted due to conditions. We will always do our best to make it accessible for those who need it. During the flight, you’ll be standing in the basket, which provides good support with both a front and back to lean on. While most landings are soft, bumpy landings do occur. If you are concerned, we recommend you consult your doctor.

You must not fly if you are suffering from any significant medical condition or if you have recently undergone major surgery.

Bristol Fiesta Experience

Arrival & Setting Up

When you arrive for your Bristol Balloon Fiesta flight, a member of our team will be waiting for you at the passenger boarding point at the designated time. From there, you’ll be escorted into the main balloon arena — the heart of the Fiesta — where around 100 brightly coloured balloons prepare for takeoff. The atmosphere is alive with excitement as burners roar and envelopes rise all around you, filling the sky with colour and movement.

Take Off & Flight

Once our balloon is ready, you’ll join your pilot and fellow passengers in the basket for a short safety briefing and final checks. Then, as the burners ignite and we begin to rise, you’ll find yourself surrounded by balloons of every shape and shade — some lifting away just ahead, others drifting close beside you, their colours glowing in the morning light. It’s a rare and spectacular sight: many dozens of balloons climbing together above Bristol, moving gracefully with the wind. The flight lasts around an hour, offering unforgettable views of the city, the Avon Gorge, and the surrounding countryside.

Landing & Return Journey

As our flight draws to a close, your pilot will guide you smoothly back to earth. After landing, you’re welcome to help the crew pack away the balloon — a fitting end to a truly hands-on adventure. Then we return you to Ashton Court, where the Fiesta’s celebrations continue.

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