Bristol Balloon Fiesta flies high in year of British celebration
Organisers of the 2012 Jones Lang LaSalle Bristol International Balloon Fiesta have hailed the
event a great success with five out of seven balloon launches going ahead and record
numbers attending the festival on Saturday.
After an incredibly wet summer, the weather was in the Fiesta’s favour this year with a total
of 289 flights taking place and over 100 hot air balloons gracing the Bristol skyline on Friday
evening.
Unprecedented numbers of people turned out on Saturday, attracted by the lovely weather
and the promise of the Kellaway Building Supplies Night Glow.
With the Olympics putting Britain in the world’s spotlight, the Fiesta received plenty of
interest from international visitors with international teams from Brazil, Luxembourg, Dubai,
Belgium and Ireland. Media from all over the world attended and reported on the event,
including TV crews from the US, Equador, Brazil, the Middle East, Ukraine, China and Europe.
The Fiesta got off to a great start with the Special Shapes Rodeo on Thursday followed by
the Bath Ales Thursday Night Glow which had a ‘Best of British’ theme. The Union Jack
balloon was the focal point of the Glow while the National Beacon originally lit by The Queen
was used to herald a spectacular red, white and blue themed firework display.
Highlights of the Arena events programme included the graceful SWIP team, two aircraft
performing aerial acrobatics with colourful firework trails and the RAF Falcons which thrilled
the crowds with their daredevil display.
With light winds on Friday, nearly 200 balloons took to the skies – 94 in the morning and 103
in the evening. Even with a thunderstorm on Sunday morning, by the afternoon the skies
had cleared sufficiently to allow 32 balloons to lift off and finish the Fiesta in style.
Chris Hathaway, chairman of the Fiesta’s organising committee, said: “It’s turned out to be a
magnificent Fiesta, far exceeding our expectations after the terrible weather we’ve had this
summer. The Olympic ‘feel good factor’ seems to have spread as far as the Fiesta and the
crowds on Saturday were unbelievable!”
“The huge level of press interest in the event helps put Bristol – and the UK – on the map
and we’re delighted to do our bit to promote the city.
“Everyone works incredibly hard to put on this show and we’d like to thank everyone for
their support which makes it all worthwhile - the visitors, our partners, our 100 Club
members and suppliers.”
ENDS
For more information please contact Dani Marlborough, Press Manager for the Bristol
International Balloon Fiesta on 07732 073999