Soaring with the birds and taking in the marvelous views as I float gracefully up to the clouds is one of my favorite dreams to have.
That can certainly be done on a hot air balloon and, fortunately, hot air balloons are quite common here in Bristol. It didn’t happen this summer due to the hectic FIDM life but I vow that I will get to soar next summer. For now, the Bristol Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will suffice as a prelude to that experience. This event successfully teased me of the possibility of an unforgettable flying adventure like nothing I’ve experienced before! As you can see, big hot air balloons surround me and I cannot be happier!
Style Details
Jumpsuit | FROM A SHOP IN LIVERPOOL
Shoes | ISABEL MARANT
Handbag | 3.1 PHILLIP LIM PASHLI
Sunglasses | CÉLINE
The fiesta is an annual event that features a unique mass ascent of hot air balloons and an enthralling show called the nightglow where hot air balloons are coordinately inflated up, being illuminated by lights, and dancing to the tune of the most popular songs of the season. There were many Londoners that came out and took the trip to this nearby city to join the revelry. Again, the British’s appreciation for these kinds of festivals was so evident. As you can see, the grounds were filled with thousands of guests! It was such a spellbinding event that I actually felt like a little girl again. I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it again, English summers are so darn perfect. I don’t know how to describe it but it just has that good old English charm that can never be replicated. Witnessing the Bristol Hot Air Balloons fly high is truly and simply the cherry on top amidst the blue skies.
Here’s what I learned about the most popular festival in Southwest UK. It’s the biggest hot air balloon festival in Europe and the second largest in the world! The next one is set to be on August 6 – 9, 2015 and will be held at Bristol’s Ashton Court Estate that is basically Bristol’s version of Versailles but not quite that grand yet certainly just as big in grounds. The fiesta featured about 325 flights this year and held a world record of approximately 90 landings in the Old Chocolate Factory in nearby Keynsham. The ascent on Friday morning broke all recent records with 124 balloons leaving from the Ashton Court Estate, in front of a crowd of thousands. Truthfully, my personal favorite was the nightglow because I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. The hot air balloons slowly inflated in its pre-determined space and was illuminated in sync with the music. The peaceful illuminations it created was so bewitching and romantic! Really, it was just such a unique and awesome experience. The nightglow also concluded with a spectacular summer fireworks show. This fiesta is absolutely unbeatable and its lingering charisma was certainly in the air. I couldn’t sleep that night thinking about how beautiful everything was. What I really like about England is that in spite of its aristocratic past, people here really care more about experiencing life to the full and prioritize enjoying each and every moment for what it is. I definitely can say that I have developed deep admiration for their childlike hearts. Being surrounded by balloons is, without a doubt, untarnished bliss!
