Balloon Fiesta 2023 site map, viewing points and parking
In just a few days, Bristol’s skyline will be dotted with colour as a rainbow of hot air balloons rise into the air, floating along some of the city’s most famous landmarks. As Bristol is, obviously, a city that hundreds of thousands of people call home, there are very few places in its boundaries that would physically allow for the logistics of launching a mesmerising sea of large floating objects gently into the air.
Due to the large space needed for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta[1], and its world-famous status, it makes sense that the four-day family event calls the sprawling Ashton Court Estate[2] home. The 850-acre estate south of the River Avon has hosted the Fiesta for many years, with thousands of attendees from all over the globe flocking to the expanse of green every summer.
It’s not unusual for around 100 balloons to be tethered in the grounds of Ashton Court Estate every Fiesta, and we can only imagine the blood, sweat and tears organisers put in to working out the physical logistics of the event, especially once dusk falls and a fleet of glowing orbs rise into the sky for the breathtaking Night Glow segments. Ahead of the Fiesta commencing on Thursday, August 10, the site has been separated into a number of areas, including viewing points, fairgrounds and food stalls.
The areas at this year’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Balloon Launch Field
The green zone that can be seen in the middle of the Fiesta site is where the balloons will be launched from.
Blue Viewing Area
This is the most popular area to see the balloon launches and organisers have advised it can get particularly busy around the times of the ascents. Spectators can head to the Yellow Viewing Area for more space around the ascents.
Bristol Balloon Fiesta WhatsApp community
Join our dedicated Bristol International Balloon Fiesta group on Whatsapp for all the latest news and updates
Bristol Live[4] is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community dedicated to one of Bristol’s biggest summer events, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta[5].
Bristol Live will be bringing you all the action[6] across the whole four days, and for those who join our free Whatsapp community you will be able to get the latest updates straight to your phone. You’ll be among the first to know which weather-dependant events are going ahead as well as access to all the best pictures and videos from the weekend.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.[7]
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live[8] team.
We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.[9]
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.[10]
Yellow Viewing Area
A second viewing area for spectators to look over the main balloon launch field.
Balloonist Village (Pink Zone)
A zone for balloonists attending this year’s event.
Fairground
There are two main fairground areas on site with a carousel and a helter-skelter in one section. Separately stands the Big Wheel, boasting the best views across the estate.
Entrances & Exits
- Main entrance – UWE Bower Ashton campus
- Pedestrian entrance – Mansion House
- Pedestrian Entrance – via Orange Car Park
- Pedestrian Entrance – via the Ashton
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Disabled, Motorbike, Exhibitors & Production Entrance – via Fairground
- Balloonist entrance – via B3128
Toilets
There are three main areas for toilets at Ashton Court and two disabled toilet areas. These are situated by the fairground, near the carousel and by the medical centre. There is another disabled toilet by the mobility scooter area.
Map of the site
You can take your own look at the layout of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2023 below.
Map of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta site for 2023 (Image: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta)
Travelling to the Fiesta via car
All car park tickets must be bought in advance and are single entry only. There are a number of car parks on-site – Blue, Red, motorbike, and disabled.
The Blue Car Park – with the exception of disabled parking – is the closest parking option, with the final release of tickets currently on sale now for £30 plus booking fees. There are also still tickets available for the Red Car Park, access to the Fiesta from which involves a walk down the hill.
Click here[11] for more Bristol International Balloon Fiesta news, features and information.
References
- ^ Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Ashton Court Estate (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ M5 drivers warned to expect delays ahead of Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2023 (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Bristol Live (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk)
- ^ Bristol Live will be bringing you all the action (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ click this link and select ‘Join Community’. (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Bristol Live (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Privacy Notice. (www.reachplc.com)
- ^ Click here to join our WhatsApp community. (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Click here (www.bristolpost.co.uk)