Kokova Magazine

Plans for the 34th Bristol Balloon Fiesta are in full swing, as the city prepares for the one of the UK's top five outdoor events.

Held in the rolling hills of Ashton Court on the edge of Bristol, it is a hugely popular free event, attracting around half a million people from across the country and beyond. The event takes place over four days and this year will be staged on 9th -12th August 2012.

Founded in 1978, the fiesta has become an icon for Bristol, as synonymous with the city as Brunel’s famous Suspension Bridge.

The event recently gained national recognition by being shortlisted for the UK's Tourism Event of the Year Award at the 2012 Visit England Awards for Excellence.

This follows the award of the top prize for Tourism Event of the Year at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards earlier this year.

The event offers fantastic entertainment for the whole family.

Over 100 balloons of all shapes and sizes provide an unforgettable spectacle as they take to the sky in mass ascents each morning and evening from Friday to Sunday.

Some of the largest crowds are drawn to the famous Night Glows on Thursday and Saturday evenings, when the balloons tether in the main arena and light up in sequence to music, like giant light bulbs.

This year will see a new addition to the Fiesta schedule as the Friday evening will showcase the SWIP Team, a pair of single-seat airplanes that have firework trails and coloured smoke flying from their wings, to create an unforgettable night-time performance.

Over 250 trade stands, local and international food stalls, a funfair and a variety of other entertainment complete the fun-packed festival.

For more information, visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk.