How to… inflate a balloon – Bristol Balloon Fiesta draws record crowds
For one long weekend every August, you will see people all over Bristol guessing wind directions and chasing balloons. Some of these people will be in large off roading vehicles trying to spot which roof they need to collect their balloon from.
Others unable to bear the large crowds, traffic jams or £8.00 car parking are trying to find the right spot to watch the balloons sail gracefully over Bristol.
The free Bristol International Balloon Fiesta was first held thirty years ago in 1979 at Ashton Court. It had just 29 balloons and a few thousand spectators.
Balloon launches take place at 6am and 6pm daily throughout the event, weather conditions permitting.
This year saw record breaking crowds over the days of the 6th until the 9th of August, with an estimated 150,000 people on Saturday alone and 393 balloon flights in total. It is Europe’s largest annual hot air balloon festival.
How to… inflate a tricky shaped balloon
Lie your balloon flat across the ground. Don’t forget to tether it to every available 4×4
Fill with cold air
Don’t forget to make sure you have enough energy to power the fan!
It’s marshmallow time! Gas burners at the ready to inflate with hot air
Curse that darn wind stopping you from flying up and away with your tricky shaped balloon