Bristol city centre to be lit up with hot air balloons for spectacular new experience - what you need to know
A new and interactive hot air balloon experience is set to transform Bristol city centre this winter.
Cameron Balloons in bringing the installation to College Green for this year’s Bristol Light Festival, running from February 19 to 28.
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Called The Lite Series, it will transform a cluster of illuminated hot air balloons into a responsive landscape of light, sound and play.
Visitors are invited to fire each balloon by pulling a simple cord, triggering a burst of colour and aresonant whoosh inspired by a real burner.
As more people take part, the balloons glow brighter, sound bigger and build a shared spectacle that celebrates the collective joy at the heart of the festival.
Creative director of Bristol Light Festival, Katherine Jewkes, said: “Cameron Balloons is such an iconic part of Bristol’s story and reimagining their craftsmanship through light and play has been a joy.
“The Lite Series captures the magic, warmth and wonder of ballooning in a completely new way, inviting audiences to fire the burners themselves and become part of the spectacle.
“It’s a celebration of Bristol’s creativity, brought to life by one of the city’s most beloved makers.”
Jess Siggers, marketing manager at Cameron Balloons, added: “Bristol’s skyline has been shaped by our balloons for generations, so we’re thrilled to bring that heritage back down to earth in an entirely new way for Bristol Light Festival.
“The Lite Series invites everyone to feel the magic of ballooning up close.
“It’s playful, it’s interactive and above all, it celebrates the engineering and imagination that Bristol is famous for.”
Bristol Light Festival 2026 will run nightly from 5pm to 9.30pm between Thursday, February 19 to Saturday, February 28.