Thursday 7th August until Sunday 10th August 2008 @ Ashton Court Estate, Bristol

Now in its thirtieth year, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has become something of a cultural jewel in the crown of the South West, bringing people flocking from the far reaches of the entire globe, let alone the UK. Founded 30 years ago by Don Cameron, owner of the world’s largest balloon manufacturer - Cameron Balloons, he was decided to create an event that would draw together balloonists from around the world.

In September 1979, a small gathering of like-minded balloonists came together to celebrate what was to become the first ever Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Spectators witnessed a mass ascent of all 27 balloons attending the fiesta and gasped in awe at the many other flights made throughout the weekend. Most balloons came from the West Country, with some appearance from West Germany and Ireland.

Since that incredible year the event has grown significantly in size and pull, drawing people of all ages to the splendid Ashton Court Estate over the course of the 4 day event, starting with my personal favourite, the Night Glow on Thursday.

This night always draws me up on the promise of a great spectacle of balloons lighting up to great music, a fabulous fireworks display and a wondrous evening spent drinking champagne with friends and eating a picnic; well that’s the way I like to do things! The event this year as always was fantastic, I do however have a few questions to pose:

1. Why has the classical music stopped during the Night Glow? Now pop music is played, not even a damn busters escaped this year.

2. Why did the night glow only last for 15 minutes? The Fireworks were great as always, I love fireworks, but they seemed to be equally as short and ended abruptly.

3. What ever happened to the free concerts for the kids during the day…. I saw Girls Aloud a few years ago……….. I know Girls Aloud!!!!

I imagine that the answer I will be given is that progress takes over! There is a Night Glow on Saturdays now too so they spread the experience over two nights, but quantity is NEVER better than quality in my opinion! That the concert is too expensive/too busy/too much fun to continue and that the pop music brings the kids to the Night Glow as they now no longer have the free concert.

I have no idea, but I, like a great many million people, don’t like change, well that’s a lie, I love chance but only if it’s for the better……………………………I still enjoyed it though!!!

www.bristolfiesta.co.uk

Faye Westrop