I used to use these review sites a lot before I bought anything so decided to write on them as well...
I used to use these review sites a lot before I bought anything so decided to write on them as well. My reviews also appear on dooyoo under the same name.
Member since:02.01.2008
Reviews:55
I've wanted to go to a hot air balloon festival for a while with my boyfriend as we used to have one at home when I was younger. We finally got to go to the Balloon Fiesta at Bristol this year (2009).
Expecting a high turn out we booked our parking as this made it slightly cheaper, only by £1 but we thought that at least we're guaranteed a space. We drove from Bristol centre to the Balloon Fiesta, using sat nav as a guide but also following the road signs that had been put out. These signs were useless and we drove for about an hour more than we should, having gone 'round in a big circle trying to get to the entrance we had been assigned on the parking ticket.
We finally got there and parked. To say that we'd pre-booked parking it didn't look like we were any where nearer the site than those who hadn't booked, but it did make it slightly faster to get out.
We had arrived at the site at around 4pm. We wondered in and it was really crowded! We started to wonder around the various stalls. Many were selling goods ranging from clothing to food to jewellery and all sorts. Some were just giving out free samples - I was dying to get some of these however most of the time the queues were far too long! There was also a fun fair part - luckily this was all concentrated in one area and we didn't venture into this.
There was plenty of things to occupy ourselves until the fly over of the Red Arrows - which we really wanted to see. We headed up to a bit of a hill for this. There was commentry on the PA system but this was rubbish and couldn't be heard! The display itself was, however, good.
There were toilet scattered around the site. There were portaloos and disgusting and not enough of them.
The main lift off of balloons was good - although there weren't as many shapes as I've have thought/hoped. Just after this there wasn't really much left to do but wait until the night glow.
This was quite good - however the sound system damped it a bit.
Overall quite a good day and worth it but things could be improved!
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This presentation beautifully illustrates the full glory of Europes largest annual balloon ... more
fiesta, an attraction that has become one of the UKs most popular outdoor events, with half a million visitors each year. You will also enjoy a behind-the-scenes insight into what makes the fiesta such a success. Set in the rolling parkland of Bristols Ashton Court Estate, the fiesta includes mass balloon launches, providing a spectacular show for those at the event and also for spectators throughout the area. There is also a wide range of other activities, including daredevil stunts, and fun for all the family in a carnival atmosphere. The history of ballooning in Bristol, which goes as far back as the pioneering days of the late 18th century, is also explored, revealing another dimension to what may appear to be a very modern story. There is also a specialreport on Cameron Balloons, the worlds largest manufacturer of hot-air balloons, who produced the balloon that completed the first solo round-the-world flight in 2001. The companys founder and Managing Director, Don Cameron, adds insightful comment to the story, and so it is fitting that the presentation should end with a balloon flight piloted by Don himself!
Information: :Usually dispatched within 24 hours......
Advantages: A great time and the music concert is free, It is great for anybody on any budget Disadvantages: Quite a bit of traffic around so try to get there early for parking nearby or better still leave the car at the park and ride and walk.
maxr19 13.07.2001 ·
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