Bristol Balloon Fiesta closes gap on financial challenges
Organisers of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta have announced the strides they’ve made to strengthen the event’s financial stability after a combination of challenges put its future in jeopardy.
There was increased pressure this year on monetary success – since the pandemic, the event has been operating at a loss, and following the 2023 event, the annual deficit stood at £100,000.
With support from local businesses, organisations, visitors and the wider public, this year the team have managed to reduce the annual trading deficit to £15,000.
While work remains to make up for financial losses over the last few years, this year’s progress gives organisers renewed optimism for the event’s future and longevity as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2028.
A combination of poor weather, the pandemic, rising cost of living, inflation and challenges in the supply chain put the event’s future in jeopardy.
An economic impact assessment revealed the Fiesta directly injects £14.7m into the economy during the event week, making it the city’s most valuable annual outdoor event.
To make the fiesta more financially stable, organisers shifted the event format, changing it from four to three days to reduce operational costs, and focused on increasing revenue through sponsorship, commercial partnerships and hospitality packages.
Ben Hardy, executive director, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, said: “Bristol is the home of ballooning in Europe and an important capital for the sport worldwide. For balloon enthusiasts from around the globe, the fiesta is a celebration of the activity, yet for the local community and the history of the city, the fiesta is a cultural festivity that is synonymous with Bristol. We have a social and economic responsibility to protect this event for generations to come, and certainly guide it up to the 50th anniversary in 2028.
“The support we’ve received this year has been exceptional, and the progress we’ve made underlines our commitment to strengthen the events overall financial health. While there’s still work to be done to address the full financial picture, we must take a minute to give our gratitude for the great show of support we’ve received from the city. So, to everyone who’s helped us get this far – whether through sponsorship, partnership, in kind support, advertising, ticket purchases or donations – thank you every one of you.”
The organisers wish to give thanks to 2024 sponsors Thatchers, Butcombe, The Eco Scheme, Airbus, Bristol Junior Chamber, Village Hotels, Boe Gin, GWR, Epic, Bailey Caravans, The Ivy, Changsha, The James Dyson Foundation, Bristol City Centre BID, Cameron Balloons, The Motorhome Holiday Company, Whats On Bristol, BIMM University, AMBITIOUS, Triangle Networks, Make It China, Leonardo Hotels, Radisson Hotels, Moxy Hotels, Clayton Hotels, Marriott Bristol Royal, Delta Hotels, The Bristol Hotel and Stagecoach.
The 2025 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will take place from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August, maintaining the new three-day format. Tickets for next year’s event will be released imminently.
