M5 traffic warning as thousands expected to Bristol Balloon Fiesta
Bristol is gearing up for one of its largest spectacles this week, with motorists being alerted to potential delays throughout the city. The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is set to take off from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10. The event draws crowds that can reach up to 100,000 visitors daily, causing motorways and major A-roads to experience significantly increased traffic volumes.
National Highways has issued a warning that junction 19 on the M5 is expected to be particularly congested during the fiesta as southbound vehicles use the junction to get to the A369 and the event site. Additionally, junction 21 on the M5 will see heightened traffic flow as northbound drivers take the A370 towards the Fiesta, while the M32 will also be utilised by those travelling through Bristol to the event, as reports Bristol Live[1]. Kathryn Wiltshire, National Highways' network planning officer for the South West, commented: "We're reminding road users to plan ahead during the Balloon Fiesta - roads leading to the event are likely to be very busy."
She added, "Our aim is to keep the National Highways network running while keeping fiesta goers and other road users safe and informed. We advise people to check our traffic and travel information channels, set off early and allow plenty of time." The festival will feature night glows after the earlier mass ascents on both Friday and Saturday nights, commencing at 9pm and concluding at 10pm, with gates closing at 8.30pm.
In addition, the Clifton Suspension Bridge will be closed from 6pm until midnight on both the Friday and Saturday evenings. The Balloon Fiesta is a key fixture in the summer calendar, and this year it's set to dazzle spectators once again. This free event will welcome over 100 hot air balloons from around the world this year and, weather permitting, will feature six mass ascents throughout the weekend, as well as two Night Glows scheduled for the Friday and Saturday evenings.
For further details about what to anticipate at this year's event, click here.[2]
Somerset Live WhatsApp Breaking News and Top Stories
Join Somerset Live's WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone Somerset Live[3] is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community. Through the app, we'll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'Join Community'.[4] No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Somerset Live[5] 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.[6]
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.[7]
References
- ^ Bristol Live (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ here. (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Somerset Live (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ click this link and select 'Join Community'. (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Somerset Live (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Privacy Notice. (www.reachplc.com)
- ^ Click here to join our WhatsApp community. (chat.whatsapp.com)