Like many others, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of my favourite things about living in this city. Every year, I find myself filled with a childlike sense of wonder and excitement as we edge closer to that first mass ascent.
In fact, one of the things that sealed the deal when I considered joining the Bristol Junior Chamber was finding out the Chamber were founders of the event, with former member – and genuine living legend – Don Cameron having famously suggested the idea in the pub one day (…or so the story goes). There’s a balloon in our logo for a reason!
The relationship still runs strong today with the event, with former BJC President Ben Hardy joining Don on the Board of Directors and former BJC Member Martin Thatcher’s beloved cider brand one of the Fiesta’s main sponsors.
This year also saw the BJC being invited to step up and join the illustrious list of sponsors – a clear and obvious yes that would give us the chance to further support the event we had a hand in creating.
I had the pleasure of spending the entire weekend this year at Ashton Court, both with the BJC and supporting the IGERS Bristol team (check them out on Instagram – @igersbristol) and while there was no flying on the Friday, the evening’s festivities certainly helped to get the party started.
Every year, the BJC hosts an event in the balloonists’ enclosure to watch the night glow which, for the uninitiated, sees tethered balloons light up the dark with an amazing visual accompaniment to an always great mix of music. Ranging from modern pop to classic rock, musical numbers and everything in between, the night glow always puts on an incredible spectacle.
This was the second time I have attended the Fiesta with the BJC and it is, in my opinion, one of the best events on the calendar, with more than 40 members enjoying the show from one of the best vantage points available, with a full view of the two rows of balloons as they burst into light in time with the music.
It was very special to share the experience with long-time friends and new members alike as we were all absorbed by the moment. In a departure from my usual behaviour, I took very few photos that evening as we sang and danced together as if we were front row at a gig in Ashton Gate.
The following morning, I was back with my camera at 5.30am awaiting the mass ascent. The forecast looked positive. The small chance of rain never materialised, and cheers erupted around the arena as the green smoke was released to signal almost 50 balloons were going up!
As luck would have it, having bumped into a pilot I knew and helped him with putting his basket together, he turned to me as I was stepping back to snap his departure and said “Well go on, hop in then…” – You don’t have to ask me twice!
Now this wasn’t my first flight, but I can promise you it never gets old – especially when you are in the middle of the mass ascent. The lift off is so gentle and if you closed your eyes (an absurd thought in the moment) you would have no idea you’d left the ground, and before you know it – you’re 200 metres in the air overlooking the entire of Bristol surrounded by balloons of all shapes, sizes and colours.
The iconic image of the Fiesta, displayed in almost every Bristol business’ website or on the office wall, is that of the Clifton Suspension Bridge engulfed in balloons. It’s amazing to see in person but even more amazing when you’re a part of it. Our pilot dropped us into the Avon Gorge and swept us through a couple of bends before bringing us over the Downs as we floated past a sea of waving spectators.
For all Bristolians, having free to enjoy events like the Fiesta on our doorstep is a unique privilege. It’s brought millions of people two the city and pounds to the local economy over the past four decades and it continued to blow my mind that the BJC was the vehicle that helped it to lift off (pun very much intended). Two other balloons taking part in the ascents were even piloted by BJC members so the presence is quite prominent.
If you’ve never been to the Fiesta before, all I can say is to make sure you are there next year. Perhaps even consider joining the BJC to really make the most of it…
