The annual Bristol International Ballon Fiesta is the UK's largest balloon meet and should see around 150 balloons take to the skies above Bristol during the mass morning and evening ascents.
Following on from the 2009 success of the sponsors' 100 Club, the organisers again offered any company the chance of winning the title and other Fiesta sponsorships for an investment of £2000. The lucky winner of the title sponsorship was ASTRA, Europe's leading provider of satellite services. ASTRA are no stranger to the world of ballooning, having their own corporate Cameron balloon, and have taken part in the Fiesta before. Mike Chandler of ASTRA GB said, "We are particularly delighted to be chosen as the title sponsor for 2010 because this year we are proud to be celebrating our 25th anniversary."
HSBC will be sponsoring the Thursday night glow and again they are no strangers to Bristol and ballooning. Lee Sansum from HSBC, commented, "We joined the 100 Club as we saw it as a great opportunity to get involved with such an iconic local event. We are delighted to have been selected as one of the main sponsors and there's no doubt we'll be back again next year."
Milka will sponsor the Saturday night glow and will be attending with their balloon. Grace Williams from Milka, had this to say, "We are really looking forward to the event, especially as the sponsor of the Saturday Night Glow. The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is a great event to be involved in for all the family. Our Milka truck will be there with lots of games and Alpine interaction which we hope will compliment the fun to be had at the event as a whole."
All three main sponsors' balloons were present at the media launch on the Monday prior to the Fiesta along with the Bristol Belle balloon.
This year's Astra Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will celebrate the 50th anniversary of modern ballooning. In 1960 the first modern hot air balloon was developed by Ed Yost in the United States. In 1967 Don Cameron and team built the very first modern hot air balloon in Western Europe, the 'Bristol Belle,' before setting up Cameron Balloons, which is now the world's largest balloon manufacturer. To pay tribute to this landmark anniversary the 'Bristol Belle' will be tethered and displayed at this year's Fiesta and Don Cameron will be the flight director for the six mass ascents, when 150 hot air balloons will take to the skies over Bristol.
The format for the Fiesta follows a familiar pattern. Thursday will see an evening ascent of special shaped balloons followed by the night glow. Twelve 'specials' have been invited including three balloons making their first appearance at the Fiesta. Making its first public appearance anywhere is Palletways' smoke-breathing 'Slick the Dragon' - complete with the UK's only glass-bottom balloon basket. It will be joined at the event by the 'George White Superbike' - a giant motorcycle which is one of the biggest special shapes ever built - and a third mystery balloon whose identity is being kept a closely guarded secret until the Fiesta begins.
The list of twelve special shapes is bolstered by the return of old favourites, such as the 165ft Scottish Piper, owned by Organising Committee Chairman Muir Moffat. 'Pipey', as he is affectionately known, will be joined by old friends in the shape of the Bristol-built Monster.com balloon and Churchill's Nodding Dog, which measures an extraordinary 34 by 24 metres - roughly the size of an office block. The Kiwi bird, complete with its ten metre beak, will be winging its way in from New Zealand to join the riot of colours above Bristol, whilst a dash of class will be added to proceedings by the arrival of the Jaguar XK8 balloon in its finest British Racing Green.
Friday sees the first of the mass ascents with over 100 balloons taking off at 6.00am and 6.00pm, weather permitting. Saturday sees mass ascents at 6.00am and 6.00pm, plus a first time visit by the Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team who will perform above the main arena. The Saturday Night Glow takes place at 9.30pm with balloons around the arena lighting up in time with the music, creating a spectacular effect that will be followed by a firework display. The final day sees the balloons again taking part in mass ascents at 6.00am and 6.00pm. Joining the Royal Navy Black Cats on Sunday will be the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, who will perform a full display over the Ashton Court estate prior to the evening ascent.
The Fiesta is a great day out for all the family. Get up early and enjoy the morning ascent, light up the barbecue and cook breakfast, before watching the many arena displays prior to the evening ascent!
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