Watch a Blast from the Past: 1990s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

🎈 Bristol Balloon Fiesta in the 1990s – A Rare Slice of City History

If you grew up in Bristol, you’ll know there’s nothing quite like the International Balloon Fiesta. Each summer, Ashton Court’s rolling fields become a sea of colour as hot air balloons take to the skies, drifting over the Avon Gorge and across the city.

This year, I’ve been digging through my family’s home movie collection – and found a real gem. Filmed by my dad throughout the 1990s, this short film captures the Fiesta during one of its most iconic decades. The footage is grainy, warm, and packed with nostalgia.

Watch now:

From the towering Sonic the Hedgehog balloon to Bertie Bassett, Action Man, Rupert the Bear, Babybel cheese, Caramel Bunny, the Michelin Man and so many more – the 90s Balloon Fiesta was full of character… literally. There’s even a giant inflatable dragon in the arena, parachutists floating down through the summer sky, and the magical Night Glow that lit up the crowd long after the sun had set.

The History Behind the Fiesta

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta first launched in 1979 as a gathering of ballooning enthusiasts. Over the years, it’s grown into one of the largest balloon festivals in Europe, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the UK and beyond. Whether you’re watching from the fields, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, or your own back garden, it’s a sight that’s hard to forget.

Watch the Short Film

You can watch the full short film on my YouTube channel 

It’s a love letter to Bristol, a trip back to the 90s, and a reminder of just how much joy the Fiesta brings every year.

Take a Little Bit of the Fiesta Home

If this trip down memory lane has you feeling inspired, you can shop our Bristol Balloon Collection. From prints and mugs to tote bags and homeware, it’s the perfect way to keep a little piece of Bristol’s most colourful event in your everyday life.

Do you remember the Balloon Fiesta in the 90s? Which balloon was your favourite? I’d love to hear your stories – leave a comment on the video or below.