16:00 Bristol Balloon Fiesta (Joint Social Event)

Event Date: Sun 9 August 2026
Event Time: 16:00

Join Brunel for the iconic Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a free to attend, three-day event that celebrates the city and its heritage links to the remarkable world of hot air ballooning. This iconic event has been a steadfast in the UK’s event calendar for more than four decades. With the city of Bristol playing the best matched host as the birthplace of ballooning in Europe, and now the capital of the sport worldwide. Over the years, the impact of the event has grown far beyond the initial ambitions of a group of friends in 1979. It is now a Bristol institution, and is a synonymous icon, representing the region around the world.

Meet on the Clifton side of the suspension bridge (by the Chapter and Holmes coffee hub - BS8 4DU) at 16:00. We will stroll across the suspension bridge down into Ashton Court. There is entertainment and food stalls available in Ashton Court. There should be a mass balloon launch (very weather dependent) from 18:00. Post launch we will make our way back across the bridge into Clifton Village (hopefully with lots of balloons drifting over the gorge). Food options available in Ashton Court or Clifton Village. Please bring appropriate clothing for the weather, this is a fully exposed event with no shelter. At the time of posting the weather looks favourable. Please look out for updates on the Brunel WhatsApp group / social media feeds for up to date information depending on weather.

Group: Joint
Event Leader: Gemma N.

Event Date:

How do I join the walk?

Unless stated on the walk page, there is no need to sign up to join a walk. You’re very welcome to try out 1 or 2 walks before you join, but we do insist that after that you join the Brunel Walking Group.

On many walks you can just turn up at the meeting point where we will share lifts to the start of the walk. It’s OK if you don’t drive – we normally have enough drivers who are able to give lifts. Some walks you will need to make your way to walk start or you can post on our facebook group to ask if you can share a lift there. 

If sharing lifts passengers are expected to contribute towards petrol costs. Please bring coins or be prepared to make a bank transfer. As a guide, 30p/mile shared by everyone in the car. 

How do I know what to bring? And am I fit enough?

We provide a full recommended kit list here.  Please do bring water, a rainproof jacket, walking trousers (or similar) and walking shoes/boots – avoid jeans and trainers.

Walks are graded as either 1 boot, 2 boot or 3 boot.  Read more about choosing the right walk for your fitness level here,

About Brunel Walking Group

Brunel Walking Group is for young(ish) people in the Bristol and Bath area who love the countryside and like to get outside on a weekend. All of our walk leaders and committee members are volunteers, dedicated to sharing our fantastic countryside with others.  Read more on our FAQs page