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What is new at Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2025?

Ana da Silva
BBC News, Bristol
PA Different coloured balloons fill up the sky on a hazy dayPA
Annual summer event brings balloonists and visitors from across the world to the West Country

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has unveiled its 2025 programme, featuring some new events.

About 500,000 people are set to descend on Bristol to watch more than 100 hot air balloons fill the skies during the free festival at Ashton Court's country park, between 8 and 10 August.

As well as the fan-favourite balloons making a comeback, there will also be a new 42m (140ft) high Oggy the Friendly Dragon.

Paul Burrows, from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta committee, said balloonists have already been taking part in test flights. He added: "You would have seen around 13 balloons last night over Bristol and there were some up this morning."

International Bristol Balloon Fiesta Two women and a balloonist pictured inside a hot air balloon basket smile and wave at the cameraInternational Bristol Balloon Fiesta
The Balloon Fiesta attracts an estimated 500,000 people to Bristol each year

Flying green aliens, dragons, Rupert the Bear and a screwdriver were a few of the special shapes in last year's fiesta, some of which are set to return.

Disney's 'Up' balloon, Slick the Dragon and Astro the Alien are also scheduled to make an appearance.

"But the big one this year is Oggy the Friendly Dragon," said Mr Burrows. "From Indiana, he's 170,000 cubic ft in capacity and about 140ft (42 metres) high."

"Rupert the Bear is also coming back although he doesn't fly anymore," he added.

International Bristol Balloon Fiesta A huge balloon in the shape of a green dragon flies over a river in a hazy day, with smaller balloons flying in the backgroundInternational Bristol Balloon Fiesta
'Oggy the Friendly Dragon' is the biggest special-shaped balloon this year

For the first time this year, visitors will be able to go inside a cold-inflated balloon, in an immersive experience meant to recreate the sensation of being on a flight.

On 9 August, the arena will be transformed by a spectacular display of locally crafted balloons in a variety of shapes and styles, as part of a new event led by Bristol's own Cameron Balloons.

International Bristol Balloon Fiesta Two people stand inside an inflated envelope, that's the inflated part of the hot air balloon that sits on top of the basket. This one is very colourful with little tiny balloons designed in the style of the Disney film 'Up'.International Bristol Balloon Fiesta
Look inside Disney's 'Up' balloon envelope - what is called the inflatable part of the hot air balloon

Just like in previous years, mass ascents will be attempted each morning and evening - weather permitting - while ballooning will be celebrated across the site.

The Nightglow spectacle will also return for two nights - Friday and Saturday.

As part of it, dozens of tethered balloons will be lighting up to choreographed bursts of flame in sequence to a music soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol.

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