First look at Bristol Balloon Fiesta including the exciting new interactive exhibition, In The Clouds

The iconic Bristol International Balloon Fiesta returns to Ashton Court Estate this weekend (August 8 to 10) with an incredible line-up of hot air balloons, including some with very creative special shapes.

The festival celebrates the city’s rich heritage in hot air ballooning and will be packed with a jam-packed programme of entertainment, activities, food and hot air balloons.

The Fiesta will also see the addition of two exciting new interactive attractions: ‘In The Clouds’ and ‘Flight Control’.

Visitors can step into a flight simulation at ‘In The Clouds’, where their can hop inside a cold-inflated hot air balloon whilst an immersive soundscape and film will captivate visitors and celebrate Bristol’s rich heritage and connection to the world of hot air ballooning.

The new attraction is free to enter but visitors are encouraged to make a donation to the not-for-profit, free event if they are able.

The second new attraction, ‘Flight Control’, in partnership with GWR, will enable visitors to see where the balloons landing after taking off from the event’s launch field.

Following each flight, a map will be populated with all the landing locations, highlighting the reach of the event beyond Ashton Court Estate.

To view the live Flight Control, click here.

Scroll through for a first look inside In The Clouds and the Sky Lounge, or check out the video above to learn more about what to expect at this year’s festival from Ben Hardy, Executive Director of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, and Clive Bailey, Flight Director.