International Balloon Fiesta to help independent Bristol businesses fly high
Bristol's International Balloon Fiesta is stepping up its support of the city economy and providing a platform for community causes and independent Bristol businesses to showcase their work at the event.
A fundamental part of the Fiesta’s constitution has always been to support businesses across the city and celebrate Bristol. At this year’s Fiesta, which takes place from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August, more community support will champion and celebrate the region.
The Bristol Launching Bursary is supporting eight fledgling Bristol traders by offering them a significantly discounted pitch at the 2024 event to gain exposure, experience and ensure a great local offer to Fiesta visitors.
The successful applicants who will be bringing a taste of Bristol to visitors across the weekend are Bake My Day, I Scream Taco, Bishopston Bagels, Soul Bowl, Gopal’s Curry Shack, Indian Summer and Afista Barista.
They will also be joined by Chameleon Spray which will encourage visitors to experience the power of colour transformation, with every surface, from uPVC to steel, becoming a canvas for personalised expression.
Ben Hardy, executive director, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, said: “The Fiesta has always been an event in Bristol, for Bristol and we believe that the introduction of the Bristol Launching Bursary underlines our commitment to engage with local businesses as much as possible.
The 2024 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will take place over three days from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August in the rolling hills of Ashton Court Estate.
The Fiesta will still include two Night Glow events, which will take place consecutively on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Organisers have also announced an extension of the event. Between Monday 5 and Thursday 8 August, ‘Fiesta Week’ will see a fleet of hot air balloons popping up in local communities across the city in a series of local launches.
The official charity for this year’s event is Bristol-based Love Squared, which provides SEN and mental health support, education and mentoring to children and young people in Bristol, and the South West.
The organisation will be on-site raising awareness of their invaluable work, while also harnessing the event’s hundreds of thousands of attendees to drive critical fundraising efforts.
