A DAY IN A NUTSHELL

8th - 10th August 2025

Mass Ascents

At the heart of the experience of this unique event, is a game of chance – will these majestic hot air balloons take flight.

With mass ascents of over 100 hot air balloons scheduled twice daily, visitors have the chance to see the compact central arena awash with a rainbow of colour at dawn (approx. 6am) and at dusk (approx. 6pm).

Nightglows

On Friday and Saturday visitors can stay beyond nightfall to experience the event’s iconic Nightglows.

When after dark, dozens of hot air balloons inflate, and use their burners to glow in time to a soundtrack of inspiring music by BBC Radio Bristol to bring the party atmosphere and the crowd to their feet.

ballooning arena

Outside of the scheduled balloon launches and iconic Nightglows, the main arena is programmed throughout the day to keep audiences entertained.

From balloon themed favourites including Meet The Pilots, inflation races and tethered hot air balloons, to stunt displays, interactive challenges and Samba bands.

A timetabled programme is available to view here.

Timetabled programme

beyond the arena

Beyond the arena, a programme of entertainment, traders, exhibitors, caterers and activities allow visitors to experience the magic of ballooning and this unique day out even when the weather prevents the balloons from taking flight.

During the day you will find the Brizzle Kicks family entertainment stage, produced by Party Peeps, and the Moon Stage, our acoustic music stage produced by BIMM.

New for 2025 is In The Clouds, an immersive attraction where visitors can walk inside a cold-inflated hot air balloon, while hearing a soundscape that replicates the experience of pilots in flight.

‍