Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2023: Stunning Night Glow after first mass ascent cancelled
The first mass ascent of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2023 has been called off due to high winds, but spectators were treated by a spectacular night glow. Hundreds of balloons are expected to take to the skies above Bristol across the weekend, as hundreds of thousands of visitors venture to Ashton Court Estate.
Visitors have been arriving since the site opened at 12pm today (Thursday, August 10), and many were hoping to catch the 6pm ascent. However, organisers announced at 6.11pm: "Tonight’s wind speeds are higher than balloons can fly in and the direction of the wind (which is heading in the direction of Avonmouth and the motorway) means that we are sad to let you know that we are unable to fly as scheduled at 6pm."
A staple in the Bristol calendar, the balloon fiesta[1] is a must-visit for Bristolians and visitors alike. There are six more mass ascents set to come this year, if weather allows, as well as two night glows (tonight and Saturday evening), a multitude of aerial displays and even a chance to meet some of the balloon crews that make this event possible.
Outside of the arena, you'll be able to find plenty for the whole family, as well as refreshments, crafts and even a bandstand.
We'll be bringing you all the latest balloon fiesta news, including traffic, road closures, weather and more, across the whole weekend in our live blog below. Scroll down for more updates.
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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.
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References
- ^ balloon fiesta (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2023's key events, forecast, shuttle buses and mass ascent times (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Tips and tricks for getting the most out of the event (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)