Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2024 cut by a day 'due to operational costs'

The Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2024 will be a day less than usual, it has been revealed. 

The festival, which usually starts on a Thursday, will instead take place over three days this year from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August. 

The organisers say the change is to reduce operational costs and will protect the event for years to come.    

There will also be a series of local balloon launches in communities across the city for the first time.  

A spokesperson said: “The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will return to the rolling hills of Ashton Court this summer, with changes afoot to overcome recent challenges and allow this iconic event to soar to new heights. 

“The event has been a steadfast in the Bristol calendar for almost five decades, but in recent years has been affected just like the rest of the economy. Poor weather, covid, rising cost of living, inflation, challenges in the supply chain have added to financial pressures.  

“While organisers are dedicated to protecting the event for years to come, something must give. To reduce operational costs, the 2024 event will take place over three days from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August in an adjustment to the structure of the event programme.” 

The fiesta will still include two Night Glow events, which will now take place consecutively on Friday and Saturday evenings. 

The organisers have also announced that the week between Monday 5 and Thursday 8 August will become ‘Fiesta Week’.  

This will see a fleet of hot air balloons popping up in local communities across the city in a series of local launches.  

The spokesperson added: “The new format will also allow organisers to reimagine the event, refocussing on what makes this event so special – the celebration of Bristol and its heritage links to the remarkable world of hot air ballooning. 

“While the central arena will still set the stage for over 100 hot air balloons to take flight if conditions allow, more attention will be given to the outskirts of the launch field. 

“A revitalised vision will enable visitors experience the magic of ballooning beyond the scheduled mass ascents and Night Glows.”   

The organisers are due to announce new features and programme highlights over the coming months.