Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 8 Aug 2025

Every August, the skies over Bristol get a colourful makeover, and no, it"s not just the weather playing tricks. It"s the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, where hundreds of hot air balloons rise with the sun. This annual event, which began in 1979 with a modest 27 balloons, has grown into one of Europe"s largest ballooning fiestas. Held at Ashton Court Estate, the three-day fun now attracts pilots and spectators from across the globe, with skies peppered by balloons shaped like everything from traditional teardrops to flying cows and cartoon characters.

© Ben Birchall/PA Images/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Cheerful colours of a Cornwall classic
A Balearic islet
8 Aug 2024Spotted owlet, Bangkok, Thailand

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Pier perfect
1 Oct 2023Lake Bled, Slovenia
In the foothills of Snowdon
28 Jul 2025World Nature Conservation Day
27 Sep 2023Via Krupp, Capri, Italy
16 Sep 2025Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast
14 Nov 2024Manarola, Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria, Italy
20 Jan 2026Penguin Awareness Day
21 Feb 2025Champaka Sarasi, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India
10 Sep 2025Hay bales in North Yorkshire, England
4 Mar 2025Happy Fat Tuesday!
4 Jan 2025Bản Giốc – Detian Falls, Vietnam
7 Aug 2024Vineyards above the Moselle River, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
30 May 2025Little Pigeon River, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
12 Jan 2026Eurasian otter and pup, Estonia
In a world of their own
A delightful day for donkeys
4 Feb 2025Golden Bridge, Bà Nà Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam
To the infinite and back
25 Jan 2025Celebrating Robert Burns OR Burns Night
2 Dec 2025Christmas market in Leipzig, Germany
A smooth landing, feet first
Paranormal activity?
25 Apr 2025World Penguin Day
1 Jun 2024Pride Month
19 Sep 2024International Talk Like a Pirate Day
A salty situation
On the open ocean road
12 Apr 2024Arches National Park, Utah, USA
21 Dec 2024Burning the Clocks