Four Top Tips For Navigating the Bristol Balloon Fiesta With Elderly Relatives

It's one of the main dates in the diary of Bristolians and beyond, and one of the most iconic festivals in Britain. Yes, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta is back once again for 2024 and this year will be better than ever as the city will also host the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships for the very first time.

It’s a mesmerising event for all the family, the Fiesta, particularly for young children and elderly loved ones who enjoy the day out and the bright lights of the Nightglow.

At the same time, due to the sheer volume of people that visit the Balloon Fiesta, it can also be challenging, especially for those with mobility problems.

That said, there’s no reason the event can’t be enjoyed by everyone, so if you do have elderly relatives, perhaps who you’re taking out of elderly care homes for the day or taking them on a short city break, here are four tips to make sure you make the most of it…

Get there early and pick your spot

The festival is completely free to enter, so it does get incredibly busy. There are hospitality packages that will guarantee you a seat, while there are also a wealth of accessibility options, including accessible viewing areas, mobility scooters and toilet areas. In the case of the former, tickets are still free to the area but you need to book in advance.

If you don’t wish to use these facilities or you’re missed out, don’t worry, you can still navigate the area. The best option is to get to the park well in advance though and pick your spot to sit in. Once you’re settled, family members or friends can then head off to get drinks and snacks.

Go for a hospitality option

Hospitality spots are limited and while they can be an expensive option, you’ll get an unrivalled view of the likes of the Nightglow and the launches each day.

The Sky Lounge has plenty of seating options, while Pasture is an area that is new for 2024 and offers lunching options by the arena, to really enjoy the fiesta in style!

Go at the quieter times

As you’d probably expect, the early morning launches are quieter than the evening, so setting the alarm clock and getting out can be much more beneficial to those wanting a bit of space at the festival.

The mass ascents usually start at around 6am, so making your way over at that time is much better than the 6pm launches, where it can get crowded and a little rowdier. Equally, Friday 

morning is going to be quieter than Saturday and Sunday, due to the nature of the working week.

Watch on from the city centre

If the hustle and bustle of the park may be a bit overwhelming, perhaps consider watching on from the city centre. While you’ll miss the likes of the Nightglow and the general atmosphere of the event itself, there’s something incredibly beautiful about seeing the balloons in full flight passing the likes of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and over the town.

In fact, there are many riverside restaurants that provide a great spot for dinner as the balloons pass over for the evening mass ascent.

It can be a perfect way to end a day or weekend at the festival, in a much more relaxed and accessible way for elderly loved ones, who may also be tiring by this point.