3rd August 2015
TIP OF THE WEEK
What: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2015 // Where: Ashton Court Estate // When: Thurs 6th – Sun 9th July // Cost: Free
Bristol plays host to Europe’s largest ballooning event; an amazing spectacle and FREE event for the whole family. Over 150 hot air balloons will take off from Ashton Court Estate at dawn and light up the skies at night with evening glows with fun activities on the ground to keep the family entertained.
The event features four days of extravagant hot-air balloon displays with half a million visitors gathering in the gorgeous grounds of Ashton Court to watch balloons of all shapes and sizes lift off over the City of Bristol. Entertainment for all the family includes fairground rides, delicious food stalls and bars, face painting and acoustic music areas.
Balloon ascents
6am and 6pm daily (weather dependent)
Visit the festival each morning at 6am for ‘Breakfast and Balloons’, watching the hot air balloons take to the sky as the sun rises with a morning coffee and bacon sandwich. For the evening ascents visitors are encouraged to arrive early to get a good spot to watch the mass ascent at 6pm.
Nightglow and Fireworks Finale
The famous nightglow is a stunning sight with 30 ballooning teams lighting up their balloon as night falls at 9.00pm on Thursday and Saturday to a backdrop of spectacular fireworks.
To find out more then click here.
OTHER TIPS
Wapping Wharf @ Bristol Old Vic // Weds 5th – Sat 8th Aug (3 & 8pm) // Cost: Free
The Wapping Wharf production will be performed in a new, specially created open air auditorium on M Shed’s Museum Square and will featuring young people from Bristol Old Vic Young Company and Travelling Light Youth Theatre. With a cast of up to 60 young people aged from 11 to 22 years, the performance will look at the site’s grizzly history from the New Bristol Gaol to the Bristol Riots. Information used in the performance has been researched and discovered by the young people themselves, as they explore the Bristol archives and become expert local historians. The performance will focus on some of the stories and characters associated with the site, looking particularly at Hanham teenager John Horwood, the first person to be hanged at the Gaol aged only 18.
The production is directed by Bristol Old Vic Young Company Director Lisa Gregan, is written by Mike Akers and the musical director is Alistair Debling.
To find out more then click here.
Fender® presents: The American Standard Tour @ The Fleece // Tues 4th Aug // Cost: Free 
Fender®, the world’s leading guitar manufacturer, will be on tour this summer, hosting a series of events at iconic UK and Ireland music venues! The American Standard Tour promises a celebration of the sounds, heritage and evolution of the world’s greatest electric guitars and basses.
The Stratocaster, Telecaster, Precision and Jazz Bass are symbols of popular culture and central to the past, present and future of popular music. Guests will experience firsthand the ideas that became icons, through demonstrations, live performances, Q&As with the Fender team and the opportunity to try out a range of Fender’s USA handcrafted instruments. Each event will feature a guest performance by one of Fender’s affiliated artists and The Fender All-Star Band. The events are free to attend, with tickets available on a first come, first served basis. Attendees will be entered into a free draw with the chance to win the Fender American Standard instrument of their choice.
To find out more click here.
Kevin McGough
