Up, up & away!
A brief history of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
We love a free festival here at Bristol Syrup Co, especially one as iconic as the Bristol Balloon Fiesta! The four-day event, filled with hot air balloons of various shapes and sizes, spectacular mass ascents, balloon races, and, of course, the beloved Night Glows, is back again at Ashton Court from August 10th. We thought we’d gen up its history in anticipation.
The inaugural Bristol Balloon Fiesta took place in 1979. The event was the brainchild of Don Cameron, a renowned hot air balloon manufacturer based in Bristol and the first person to cross the Sierra in a hot air balloon. Don was inspired by a fiesta held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and he wanted to create a similar gathering in his hometown. His vision was to showcase the beauty and excitement of hot air ballooning to a wider audience.
The first fiesta was a modest affair compared to what it is today. Featuring only 27 balloons and attracting a crowd of a few thousand spectators. However, despite its small scale, the event captured the imagination of the public, and its success ensured that it would become an annual event.
Over the years, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta grew exponentially. Less than 10 years on from its launch the number of balloons taking to the skies was almost tenfold. Pilots and balloon enthusiasts from all over the world participated, making it a truly international event. The picturesque setting of Ashton Court Estate provided a stunning backdrop for the colourful and majestic hot air balloons as they ascended into the skies.
But the Fiesta wasn’t just a tourist event, it had become a platform for showcasing innovative balloon designs and technologies. In 1997 the festival introduced the Special Shapes launch in which balloon designers showcased their more unusual designs. A feature which still delights to this day as spectators point out less traditional hot air balloons, such as minions and dinosaurs.
The fiesta has continued to gain popularity, attracting larger crowds each year. So to accommodate the growing numbers, organizers added more attractions to the event, including live music, food stalls, and fairground rides. The Night Glows, our personal favourite, has become a signature event of the fiesta. To such a degree, that the equally world-renowned Suspension Bridge is closed to traffic at dusk, so spectators can watch the balloons illuminate in time to the music from a unique vantage point.
The Bristol Balloon Fiesta has become an integral part of our city’s cultural identity, drawing people together in celebration of the awe-inspiring beauty of hot air ballooning. It symbolizes the city's spirit of innovation, creativity, and a sense of community that has endured and grown stronger over the decades. It’s not only one of the most iconic and cherished events here in Bristol, but it has become a beloved tradition that draws thousands of spectators and balloon enthusiasts from around the globe. Today, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta can boast itself the largest in Europe and one of the most prestigious in the world.
With its rich history and enduring appeal, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta looks set to continue captivating audiences for generations to come. So why not join us in making a couple of Balloon Fiesta inspired drinks to enjoy as you watch their stunning silhouettes float overhead…
Clifton Reviver
20ml Orgeat Syrup
20ml Lime Juice
20ml bourbon
20ml sweet vermouth
Shake and serve up in a pony glass. Garnish with orange peel.
Created by Chelsie Bailey
