Balloon Fiesta launches mission to celebrate unsung Bristol heroes in community-based flights

That's because they have launched a quest for ‘local superstars’ to take to the skies above the city in an unprecedented series of hot air balloon rides - from their own backyards.

The team behind the summer spectacular are setting their sights on unsung heroes to be flown in hot air balloons which will take off from specially selected locations in their very own communities across the city.

And Bristolians are being urged to put forward community-spirited candidates to enjoy the ride-of-a-lifetime, as well as nominating potential take-off locations for the balloon rides during the final countdown towards August’s Fiesta.

It forms part of an ambitious five-year plan to help the Fiesta soar to new heights as it heads towards its 50th anniversary in 2028, and to future-proof the event to keep the spectacle alive for generations to come.

Ben Hardy, executive director, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, said: “We are excited to announce our very first series of community launches, and our plans to celebrate the city’s superheroes.

“We want to reach out into communities across the city and to the people of Bristol who are at the heart of everything we do and to celebrate these local heroes.

“We are looking for local superstars who dedicate their time to supporting other people, making a positive difference within their communities and who have shown bravery or simply inspired others.” 

The 2024 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will take place over three days from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August in the rolling hills of Ashton Court Estate. The Fiesta will include two Night Glow events, taking place consecutively on Friday and Saturday evening.  

But this year, in a community-focused extension of the event, between Monday 5 and Thursday 8 August, ‘Fiesta Week’ will see the fleet of hot air balloons popping up in communities across the city in a series of local morning launches.    Bristol-based Ben continued: “To make the experience extra-special we are keen to hear where the people of Bristol and surrounding areas want to see hot air balloons launch from, whether that be school grounds, parks, and community grounds or even wackier spots.

“Wherever the flights begin, this celebration of local superheroes will add an exciting new dimension to the Fiesta and underlines our commitment to engage with Bristol’s diverse communities as much as possible to ensure the iconic event soars to new heights.

“It will be very much a city-wide effort and we want to hear about those people and those communities that make our city so special so they can sample the magic of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in their own backyards.”

This celebration of unsung heroes is inspired by the not-for-profit Fiesta’s founding constitution.

For almost five decades, the volunteers at The Fiesta have been committed to offer a free event that celebrates Bristol, and its heritage links to the remarkable world of hot air ballooning. 

The deadline for applications is Friday, July 5 and selections will be made by Monday, July 15. Nominations are being invited for both a local hero and a community launch site but applications for just a local hero or just a local launch site are also welcome.

To make a nomination visit the Bristol Balloon Fiesta website.