High enjoyment as balloon fiesta takes new flight path
MORE THAN 40 hot air balloons filled the skies for the largest annual hot air balloon event in Europe – with the fiesta kept secret to prevent crowds from gathering amid the coronavirus crisis.
The Bristol Balloon Fiesta normally attracts more than 500,000 visitors, but organisers were forced to cancel the usual on-the-ground activities at the Ashton Court estate due to social distancing rules.
They kept yesterday’s mass ascent, which involved 43 balloons, under wraps until it had started to prevent people from gathering at the site.
It had previously been announced that the fiesta, which is in its 42nd year, would only take place as a “flypast” in the sky. There will also be a virtual “nightglow”, when tethered balloons light their burners in time to music.
Chris Allcock, the chairman of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, said organisers are “all deeply saddened” that the event cannot be staged as normal.
He added: “We have been working with our balloonists and the authorities to create an event which adheres to the social distancing restrictions. We are inviting Bristolians to watch the balloons from the safety of their own doorsteps and gardens.
“Social distancing means we absolutely cannot gather in parks or Bristol’s open spaces or invite our audiences to see the balloons take off or land, to protect our pilots and the public.
“Instead we’re asking people to give them a wave as they fly past Bristol’s communities.”
The fiesta has been a recordbreaking addition to Bristol’s tourism industry.
On August 10, 2013, a record 74 balloons landed in a field close to the former Cadbury’s chocolate factory in Keynsham, near Bristol.
The record was then broken a year later at the event, when 90 balloons landed on August 9, 2014.