The dusky view of the balloons over Bristol is an annual highlight
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The organisers of this year’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta have had to pull out of tonight’s planned mass ascent of balloonists over the city (Saturday, August 12), after persistent wind and showers have made the event unsafe to go ahead. The hot air balloons were due to rise at 6pm and there was audible disappointment when they were called off.
Fiesta planners earlier in the day blamed “inclement weather” when the afternoon ascents also had to be cancelled, as winds of over 10 knots made it unsafe for the balloons to make their airborne rise over Ashton Court. By 6pm when the balloons were meant to begin their climbs, wind speeds had picked up to 14 knots with gusts of wind exceeding 20 knots, leaving organisers with no choice but to cancel the ascent.
Deflated fiesta fans took to social media to express their sadness that the iconic event had faced so many issues today, with one saying: “Fingers crossed for flying weather tomorrow.” However, organisers have briefed Bristol Post to say that this evening’s Night Glow will still go ahead.
You can follow our liveblog for more updates about the Balloon Fiesta as they come in.
READ MORE: Bristol Balloon Fiesta schedule for Saturday
More than 100 balloonists were due to take part in the evening ascent, which was eventually called off at 6.20pm, after 100s of people took to social media to ask if the popular evening event was still going ahead in the too-high winds. It was not all lost hope and popped dreams for the balloon fans though, as the popular Night Glow is still on for 9pm..
Balloon Fiesta 2023: Mass ascent over Bristol cancelled but Night Glow still on
The Balloon Fiesta organisers said: “We’re sorry to let you know that our mass ascent won’t be taking place this evening. This is down to very unstable weather conditions with a risk of showers and especially fast upper winds at 1,000 ft plus, meaning it is unsafe for our balloonists to take to the skies.
Balloon Fiesta 2023: Mass ascent over Bristol cancelled but Night Glow still on
“The night glow is still scheduled to light up the Fiesta at 9pm.”
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