Traders & Exhibitors
8th - 10th August 2025
Applications
Traders, Caterers, exhibitors, and concessions – Applications now open!
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta attracts over 100 Hot Air Balloons and 300,000 visitors over the 3 days of the event. The Fiesta has become as much of an icon for Bristol as Brunel, Wallace and Gromit or Concorde.
Whatever your business, charity, or exhibit, we would love to hear from you at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
We want to provide our customers with a quality, varied range of stalls, food, drink and exhibits across the Fiesta weekend. If you would like to get involved, please apply below!
For catering applications please apply here.
For exhibitor applications please apply here.
For entertainment applications please apply here.
For details on our inflatables tender, please click here.
FAQS
When is The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta?
Friday 8th– Sunday 10 th August 2025
Is there a closing date for applications to be submitted?
Applications are on a first come, first serve basis. We anticipate a high demand, so recommend getting your application in as early as possible! Our trader roadmap can be downloaded here.
Caterers
Application Open - 12th December 2024
Submission Deadline - 30th April 2025
Deposit Deadline - 2nd May 2025
Document upload Deadline - 1st July 2025
Payment Deadline - 1st July 2025
Traders/exhibitors
Application Open - 12th December 2024
Submission Deadline - 30th April 2025
Deposit Deadline - N/A
Document upload Deadline - 1st July 2025
Payment Deadline - 1st July 2025
What type of businesses are welcome?
All businesses are welcome to apply. When completing the application form, you will be asked to provide more information alongside images of your proposed stall and products.
Are stalls only available for local businesses?
Our application process is open to everyone. However, we would love to encourage and prioritise local applicants!
What are the pitch prices?
Our full rate card is available to download here.
Catering
Band 1 - High Volume Catering (This includes burgers, hot dogs, fish & chips, sausages, noodles, etc) - £3950 +VAT (minimum bid)
Band 2 - Mid Volume Catering Units (This includes baguettes, toasties, pasties, and gourmet or speciality produce) - £2750 + VAT (minimum bid)
Band 3 - Speciality and Savoury Products (This includes crepes, waffles, donuts, coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages) - £1650 + VAT (minimum bid)
Exhibitor / Trade Stands
Large Activation stands
15m x 15m = £7875
Activation stands
10m x 10m = £3100
Arena facing stands
6m x 6m = £1250
Trade Village stands
6m x 6m = £800
6m x 3m = £650
3m x 3m = £500
Market Stalls
3m x 3m = £400
Large activation stands (15m x 15m)
For brand/ premium activations, looking to stand out from the crowd and engage large audiences through creative/ large scale activations. Whether it be a marketing activation, entertainment/activities for our attendees or a large/ premium trade stand. We want you to help us soar to new heights with your activation space. Price is for space only. No structures will be provided by the event, unless agreed otherwise before the show, additional charges for this will apply. If you need more information on how we can make your idea come to life, please email cissy@rem-events.com
Activation stands (10m x 10m)
For large stands/ activations in a high footfall area of site. Perfect for brand activations, engagement and larger trade stands. In the past, we have seen marketing activations, pop ups, exhibition units and creative trade stands. Our attendees love exploring these stands throughout the day. Price is for space only. No structures will be provided by the event, unless agreed otherwise before the show. Additional charges for this will apply. No stock vehicles are to be stored within or behind these stands. If you need more information on exhibiting at The Fiesta, please email cissy@rem-events.com
Arena Facing Stands (6m x 6m)
Our medium sized exhibition/ trade stands. Perfect for traders/brands/ exhibitors who want that iconic, premium view of the main balloon launch field and high footfall for the duration of site opening times. Price is for space only. No structures will be provided by the event and no stock vehicles are to be stored behind or within these stands. These pitches are sold in 6m x 6m spaces only, if you want a smaller space, please look at Trade Village stands below.
Trade Village Stands (size options available)
Our medium sized exhibition/ trade stands Perfect for traders, brands and exhibitors. Though no direct view of the main balloon launch field. They are located just a stone’s throw away with a steady footfall for the duration of site opening times. Price is for space only. No stock vehicles are to be stored within or behind these stands and no structures will be provided by the event. These pitches can be purchased in the below sizes:
6m x 6m = £800
6m x 3m = £650
3m x 3m = £500
Market Stalls (3m x 3m)
Our market stalls are our smaller trade stand spaces. Perfect for smaller businesses, arts, crafts, charities, brand engagement and anyone who doesn’t require a large pitch space or those interested in a slightly lower cost to attend! Market Stalls are located near the family area (Brizzle Kicks) and the big wheel. They see lots of passing trade in the daytime, but we recommend slightly reduced trading hours within this area due to the appeal of the Nightglow in the main launch field once the sun goes down around 6pm. Recommended trading hours are 11:00 – 18:00/19:00 daily. (though you are welcome to trade for the entirety of site opening times if you wish) Price is for space only. No structures will be provided by the event and no stock vehicles are to be stored within or behind these stands.
Other stands/activations and pitches
If you have an activation or stand that doesn’t quite fit into one of the categories above, or you want to hear about other opportunities at The Fiesta such as partnerships/ Sponsorships/ entertainment opportunities or Installations, please contact cissy@rem-events.com
Power
Twin 13-amp power - £195 + VAT
16-amp power - £265 + VAT
32-amp single phase power - £380 + VAT
32-amp three phase - £685 + VAT
Optional Additional Extras
Additional Vehicle Pass - £15 + VAT
Additional Staff Wristbands - £5 + VAT
Camping Tent Pitch - £60 + VAT
Caravan Pitch £100 + VAT
Where are the different stand spaces?
Our traders map can be downloaded here.
How will I pay for my stand space?
Caterers are required to pay a £250 deposit per stand. All other invoices will be issued online, you will receive these via email.
If you wish to pay your stand fee via BACS you must clearly reference your company name when paying and send proof of payment to info@bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk. Bank details will be included within invoice.
Will I get trader wristbands and vehicle passes?
1 vehicle pass and 4 trader wristbands will be provided as standard. Additional passes can be purchased if required. If requested within the application form already filled out, they will be included within your trader pack upon arrival. Alternatively, more can be purchased upon your arrival to site.
Important timings for the event
Fiesta Opening Times
Friday 9th August: 06.00-23:00
Saturday 10th August: 06.00- 23.00
Sunday 11th August: 06.00- 21.00
Trader Opening Times
Friday 9th August: 06.00-22:30
Saturday 10th August: 06.00- 22.30
Sunday 11th August: 06.00- 20:00
Please note that we are flexible with trade hours, but we do ask that exhibitors trade from 10am – 6pm as a minimum. Pack down before 8pm on Sunday is not permitted.
When will power be turned on for traders?
Power will be set up and turned on starting from 5pm Thursday 7th August. Please note, the power team will be working their way round the site as quickly as possible, however, it is not guaranteed that you will have power fully fitted at any specific time.
Where/when can I collect my trader packs?
You can collect trader packs from the Fiesta reception upon your arrival to the site.
How Big are the stands?
There are a variety of different stand and pitch sizes on offer. The smallest is 3M x 3M. All Pitch sizes and prices are detailed within the application form with further information.
Are free standing spaces covered?
All stands require your own infrastructure and cover – we do not provide any structures.
How will you allocate the space?
As a team, we will do our best to allocate applicants to the site space they request, though there is no guarantee. Pitches are subject to availability.
Can I have my stock van behind my pitch?
Most pitches do not have space for stock vans behind stands. Catering Banks 1,2,3 may allow enough space depending on set up. All other vehicles must be parked in the exhibitor carpark.
How will I restock my stand?
There will daily re-stock times for traders to re-stock their stands. This is between 8:00 – 10:00am daily – as long as the site team deem it safe to do so. Site Management has the right to prohibit vehicle movement if and when needed.
Will I receive a trader, exhibition, concessions handbook?
Yes. Trader packs will be provided with all information needed for the event. These will be issued once payment has been made and received.
Do I need my own insurance?
You must maintain Public Liability Insurance with a reputable insurer throughout the event with a minimum limit of £5,000,000. A copy of the certificate must be supplied on application.
How do I make payment for my application?
If your application is successful, an invoice will be sent to you via email.
Caterers will be required to pay a deposit to reserve their stand space. No stand space is confirmed until deposit is received. Caterers will receive a separate deposit invoice.
Can I sell alcohol?
You are not permitted to sell alcohol for consumption on the site without our prior written permission. If you are applying as a licensed bar please apply as a Bar Unit. We ask that imagery of products be sent in, especially if they contain alcohol.
Can I sell off-sale alcohol?
To sell off -sale alcohol, including gift sets including alcohol, you require our prior written permission, and will also be required to apply for a Temporary Event Notice prior to the event.
Will I need to supply my own gazebo?
Yes, all stand space requires traders, caterers, exhibitors to bring their own marquees/ infrastructure.
Am I responsible for my space?
You are responsible for keeping your space tidy and clear of rubbish. The space should be maintained and returned to us as you found it
What if I need power?
Power requirements can be requested for pitches within the application form. Please ensure you outline your power requirements correctly at time of application.
Can I put music on my stand?
Amplified music and PA systems are not permitted without our prior written permission.
Can I use any packaging?
Bristol Balloon Fiesta is committed to achieving high environmental and sustainability standards. From October 2023 a range of polluting single-use plastics have been banned in England. By law You must agree to not using any such single-use plastics whilst trading at Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
Restricted items:
Ice cream, Sweets, inflatables and slush drinks are restricted items and are only prohibited to be sold by selected traders on site at Bristol Balloon Fiesta. All other traders will be prohibited to sell such items.
Do I need a Trading licence?
Yes - North Somerset Council has formally adopted Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 with regards to street trading within its area. This means that anyone selling, or exposing, or offering for sale of any article (including a living thing) in any street needs a street trading consent. In this legislation a “street” is defined as: Any road, footway, beach or other area to which the public have access without payment. A service area as defined in section 329 of the Highways Act 1980, and also includes any part of a street. As the Balloon Fiesta is free to enter and the area of land at Ashton Court falls within the North Somerset Council administrative area, any trader at the event will need to apply for a street trading consent. Exemptions apply to Stall that are not selling anything. E.g. Charities and promotional material.
How much is a street trading license?
£75 + VAT Per unit
