High hopes for balloon fiesta 2021

ORGANISERS of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta hope that this year’s spectacle will be as close to normal as possible.

Last year’s event was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, although there was an early morning fiesta flypast to enjoy, as well as a live-streamed virtual nightglow.

However, fans will be delighted to hear the organisers are planning this year to stage an event “as closely aligned to the fiesta and its values as possible”.

They say they are working on a “variety of options for the event”, which is due to take place between August 12 and 15, depending on the success of the ‘roadmap’ out of the lockdown.

“As restrictions ease in the UK, it was good to see a number of test events taking place over the bank holiday weekend as part of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, putting smiles on thousands of faces,” read a statement.

“This is something that we hope to be able to achieve in August.

“We are carefully monitoring the guidance and regulations, and planning an event as closely aligned to the fiesta and its values as possible.

“Inclusivity is at the forefront of our minds and so we will continue to develop our plans to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy our balloons safely.

“As new research and guidance is completed, we are working on a variety of options for the event, in line with Step 4 of the Government roadmap, to take place on or around August 12-15 2021.”

Organisers yesterday opened balloonist registration and trader applications and gave the public the opportunity to register their interest in the event so they could be sent announcements of plans in advance.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta normally attracts more than 100,000 visitors to Ashton Court and generates around

£15 million for the region.

“We want to do everything we can to help the recovery of the ecosystem of businesses around the event and produce a show that is distinctly Bristol for our residents and visitors,” added the organisers in their statement.

“We’re looking forward to putting Bristol on the global stage once again and creating a spectacle in the skies this summer.”