As part of the Shield Summer Party held on 4th August, a hot air balloon was hired for tethered flights.

Following this event, it made its way over to Ashton Court to take part in the 40th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta between the 9th-12th August. Our balloon first had a part in the Nightglow; an assembly of balloons tethered to the ground with all their burners lit to music, making for a very pretty display.

The following morning the balloons were scheduled to take flight at 6:00am across Bristol however, due to the windy skies, the early morning flight didn’t take place. Saturday was a different story however, as the wind eased the balloons were permitted to ascend.

Photos of the Fiesta were across the local and national news and our balloon can be spotted in some of these shots. We have some amazing photos from the pilot of the Shield balloon – hired from the Airship & Balloon Company – as well as photos of the Nightglow and some of the coverage of the event from the press.