The sky is lit up with a symphony of colors and shapes as dozens of hot air balloons take to the skies from a park near Bristol.
The event was organised following the cancellation of one of Bristol’s most popular annual events – The annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, due to the pandemic.
Thirty balloons were launched from an undisclosed location in order to avoid crowds.
Organisers said Elm Park in Filton had been an excellent choice when people were asked where they wanted balloons to fly from.
Last year, when Covid-19 also prevented the fiesta being held, a balloon fly-past was organized by some city residents to lift spirits.
This year the first mass ascent which will see launches from the site across the city, was from Elm Park in Filton – a northern suburb of Bristol approximately 5.5 miles from the city centre.
More than 700 possible locations were submitted and voted on by residents but it was really Elm Park that everyone kept requesting passionately.
Organisers said Elm Park had been a “hugely requested location to bring balloons”.
Clive Bailey, co-founder of Bailey Balloons said “We put out to Bristol where they wanted balloons to fly from and 27 people said from Elm Park and so we’re here and nobody knows”.
“It’s just brilliant isn’t it. To get 30 to 40 balloons out of Filton, which is unusual, so a big thank you to Filton Town Council who said. yes, we want you here”.
Clive is one of the key directors of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta who looks after all of the aerial displays, weather and flying at the fiesta.
Fiesta chairman Chris Allcock said the balloons being in north Bristol is a “big joy”.
“There were some clear winners and favourite locations for balloons to fly from”.
“Last year we could do very, very little but we’ve got a plan for this year and we’re going to have balloons all over Bristol for the Fiesta Fortnight,” he said.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is the largest annual event in Europe. Every year, more than 500,000 visitors flock to Ashton Court on Bristol’s outskirts.
This year’s alternative Fiesta Fortnight is twice the fun with new secret launches that will have you wondering where they’ll come up next!
