The best locations to photograph Bristol Balloon Fiesta

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is an iconic event known around the world. It is something any photographer (actually any person!) needs to witness – it is so special to witness the spectacle of around a hundred hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes lifting off into the sky above Bristol, accompanied by the sound of the burners firing.

The free 3 day festival has mass ascents at around 6am and 6pm each day, with a whole host of other things stuffed in between. In the case of 2024, this will be on Friday 9th August, Saturday 10th August and Sunday 11th August.

The Fiesta happens at Ashton Court, which lies to the west of Bristol – just to the side of Clifton, not far from Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Hot air ballooning relies on the right weather conditions, and they obviously cannot launch without these being right. So whilst in an ideal situation conditions would be perfect across the entire weekend, it is not always realistic to expect this.

What conditions can affect hot air ballooning?

• Low wind speed – a gentle breeze is ideal, no strong gusts. Surface winds greater than 10mph are usually a no-no
• Good skies or at least predictable weather – no rain, low clouds or fog (a bit of mist is no disaster – phew) and certainly no thunderstorms
• Flying at just after sunrise and just before sunset give the calmest conditions during the day. You won’t see a balloon flying midday in blazing sun
• Direction – the wind direction obviously has a huge effect on the launches. Ashton Court lies to the west of the city, therefore a westerly wind (so the wind is blowing to the east) or a north-westerly wind (so the wind is blowing to the south east) are ideal – this will carry balloons directly across the city. A westerly wind is perfect if you are sat at Clifton Suspension Bridge, as they will pass directly over you. Wind varies at a small scale, so even if the forecasts indicate one way, you will see it changing across the landscape – which itself is extremely varied around Bristol, especially along the Avon Gorge area.

All the above mean there are narrow parameters for when flying is possible. The safety of the crew and passengers comes above all else, so they have to be certain the flight will be ok. It may appear like perfect weather on the day, but those extra factors can mean a flight can’t proceed. It is incredible the number of times I have seen people complaining on social media how a launch has been cancelled, a decision which is never taken lightly.

News on the Bristol Balloon Fiesta launches

• Bristol Balloon Fiesta Facebook – the official account, where you will see updates on flight status and more. Also look at their website for detailed information on the events over the weekend – there is a lot more to do there.
• MJ Ballooning – another excellent one to follow for updates.

Where are the best locations to photograph the Bristol Balloon Fiesta?

Here are my favourite spots to capture photos of the fiesta. These are all dependent on weather conditions – the wind direction will change where the balloons will fly, so if you are looking for a composition with Clifton Suspension Bridge, the city, harbour and so on, you need to keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly.

Ashton Court

This is the obvious one. The actual launch site! It is brilliant to experience the launch site and watch all the balloons lift off – the atmosphere is amazing here, watching the balloons inflate and zoom up and off. Bring a wide angle lens with you to capture the whole scene. Also think about a telephoto for some close up imagery.

Clifton Observatory

This is the classic Clifton Suspension Bridge Balloon Fiesta position. If you want to get the bridge and the balloons in one photo, go here. You need the wind to be blowing them in a roughly easterly direction (SE and NE are ok too). Get there very early, because this is also one of the busiest locations – you need to claim your spot and stick with it.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

I will start at the Observatory and then head down to the bridge itself. There are lots of options for composition here. Again this is all dependent on the wind direction.

Clifton Downs and Sea Walls

Another good spot, if you are looking for a long range view of the bridge with balloons floating by. A section of the Downs – Sea Walls, has a great view running all the way to the bridge.

Cumberland Basin

If the tide is up, you can get a brilliant reflection image here, with Clifton Suspension Bridge in the background. The wind direction needs to be perfect for this spot.

Bristol Harbour

For more reflection images featuring the city centre, this is a brilliant option. There are loads of great locations to set up – look at the Cottage pub at Baltic Wharf, and head further to the city centre, and go to the M Shed area. Prince Street Bridge gives a great vantage point, and you can include St Mary Redcliffe or Cabot Tower in your composition once they pass overhead.

Dundry and Maes Knoll

I love both these locations. If you have a telephoto lens, a long range image of the Fiesta is hard to top, compressing the city scene. You’ll need steady hands or ideally a tripod and a fast shutter speed, because the balloons move quickly.

Victoria Park, Perrett’s Park and the Northern Slopes

South Bristol has some great elevated views of the city, so I can recommend these three parks. The top corner of Victoria Park overlooks the city, whilst the other two have fantastic city views, all the way to Ashton Court and Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Looking for prints of Bristol Balloon Fiesta?

I have lots of prints of balloons over Bristol and much more. Please take a look around my shop.

Drop a comment below!

Have any other suggestions for locations for the balloons? Drop me a comment below, and if you make it there on one of the days, please let me know – I’d love to see what you capture!