The Travel Critic

In a world where events often feel like they’re churned out on a conveyor belt of mediocrity—each one more predictable than the last—the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is the glorious exception. Held every August at the sprawling Ashton Court Estate, this isn’t just another date on the city’s calendar. It’s a spectacle, a piece of pure magic that somehow manages to outdo itself year after year. And the best part? It’s free. Yes, you heard that right—gratis, on the house, and all for the people of Bristol.

I’ve been to more events than I care to admit, where the organisers’ main concern seems to be squeezing every last pound out of your pocket, and yet here we have a festival that feels like a love letter to the city. The Fiesta doesn’t just serve Bristol; it is Bristol. It’s woven into the fabric of the city’s identity, part of its DNA. You might think that something of this calibre would eventually grow stale, but no. Every year, it’s as spectacular and fresh as the last. And this year? Well, let’s just say the organisers have once again pulled a rabbit out of the hat.

The event is a visual feast—hundreds of balloons of all shapes, sizes, and colours floating into the sky in a scene that’s equal parts surreal and sublime. Whether you’re at the launch site or just happen to be in the city when the balloons are aloft, you’re almost guaranteed to be caught in a moment of wonder. This isn’t something that just happens in any old city. It’s special, it’s unique, and it’s quintessentially Bristol.

This year brought a first: balloons taking off from a different location within the city and then landing at the event itself. If the Fiesta wasn’t magical enough already, this was the icing on the cake. A new layer of enchantment in a show that’s already bursting with it. And for those curmudgeons who might find something to complain about—seriously, have a word with yourselves. The dedication of the balloon teams, the event organisers, the volunteers—it’s immense. They pour their hearts into this event, and it shows.

And then there’s the Night Glow. If you haven’t experienced this, you haven’t lived. The sight of balloons glowing in time to music, lighting up the night sky—it’s like witnessing a dream. You stand there, mouth agape, as the sky comes alive in a way that’s nothing short of mind-blowing.

So, if you’ve never been to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, you’re missing out on one of the city’s greatest treasures. It’s everything a festival should be—joyful, inclusive, and utterly spectacular. Bravo, Bristol. Long may the Fiesta reign.