Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2024: Tesla announced as sponsor

The team behind the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta have announced the first wave of companies that will sponsor the summer festival taking place from August 9 to 11.

The pioneering electric-car manufacturer Tesla, aerospace design and manufacturer Airbus and The Ivy restaurant chain will be supporting the festival alongside Bailey of Bristol caravans, Somerset-based family-run cidermaker Thatcher’s, and Butcombe Brewing Company.

The Bristol Junior Chamber, which played a key role in the founding of the festival, will return as an official partner, and Clifton-based AMBITIOUS signed up as PR and communications partner.

The sponsorship deals - which will give the companies exposure to worldwide media attention- were announced in the wake of an appeal for businesses to support the fiesta by the organisers to ease financial pressures and safeguard the event for future generations.

Ben Hardy, Executive Director at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, said: “Our sponsors’ commitment to backing the Fiesta is tremendous news for my team and for everyone who knows and loves the event.

“We are proud that the 2024 Fiesta will be associated with celebrated local supporters in the business community in Bailey’s Caravans, Butcombe Brewery and Thatcher’s alongside iconic restaurant The Ivy, and global heavyweights in Airbus and Tesla.

“We are delighted they are all backing us with such enthusiasm and to partner with such renowned brands is an important validation for the fiesta. The event will have the eyes of the world on it thanks to media attention that mirrors its growing popularity.

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“Our brilliant commercial partners will ensure the fiesta soars to new heights in the build-up to its 50th anniversary in 2028 and our dynamic long-time companions at the Bristol Junior Chamber will ensure their support strengthens Bristol’s status as the home of modern ballooning.

“We are delighted that business leaders have responded to our rallying call and the long-term future is brighter thanks to their backing” Hardy added.

“We are still inviting businesses and organisations to get in touch and explore our sponsorship and partner opportunities as we strive to ensure the Fiesta is as robust as it is dramatic.

“I am confident we will have more good sponsorship news to share soon but we are looking for new partners and brands to come onboard and help further develop the programme, that showcases this novel, magical and colourful pastime.

“This is a real opportunity for businesses to join the fabric of this event, to not only support the Fiesta but protect this iconic event that has a significant impact on the city’s visitor economy and its international profile.”

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will take place from August 9 to 11 and includes two Night Glow events on Friday and Saturday evenings.

South West dining royalty, Pasture, will also be at the event offering an on-site dining experience like no other, with options available throughout each day.

Between August 5 and 8, a fleet of hot air balloons will also be popping up in locations across the city in a series of community launches as part of ‘Fiesta Week’.

For more information visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk  or follow @bristolballoon on Instagram, X and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook for the latest news and updates.