Hot air balloons can only be flown at certain times - mostly dawn and dusk, certainly not after dark - which is what makes the famous Night Glows at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta all the more exciting.
These evening events have become a crucial part of the festival, giving a glowing effect like Chinese lanterns, which makes a spectacular display. They are a popular spectacle at other balloon festivals all over the world.
What is a Night Glow?
Night Glows take place around dusk whereby the pilots of some 20 hot air balloons light them up but keep them tethered to the ground. The pilots ignite their propane burners periodically so that the balloons light up and glow.
This also gives visitors the chance to see the balloons up close. This year the Night Glows are accompanied by the soundtrack of a special mix curated by BBC Radio Bristol.
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When are this year’s Night Glow events?
The first ascent of the fiesta will take place at 6pm tonight (Thursday, august 10) with the launch of several hot air balloons from Ashton Court. Then at 9pm, 20 hot air balloons are set to gather for the first of two nightglows.
There will be another afternoon mass ascent on Saturday (August 13) at 6pm followed by a Night Glow event in a similar fashion to Thursday.
Clifton Suspension Bridge will be shut on Thursday and Saturday from 6pm until 12am to prevent high numbers of people from crossing the bridge. This is a health and safety consideration and pedestrians will be redirected via the Festival Way route after the fiesta on these two days.
Night Glows:
Thursday (August 10) and Saturday (August 12) from 9pm.
Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta comes to Ashton Court from Thursday, August 10 until Sunday, August 13
