Bristol International Balloon Fiesta organisers have announced there will be no fireworks displays after the Thursday and Saturday night glows. With temperatures forecast to hit 34C at the end of the week, the decision has been made due to dry conditions at Ashton Court Estate.
The popular night glows will still go ahead, as will the rest of the free family event at Ashton Court between Thursday and Sunday. The fireworks display usually completes the Night Glow performance, which will still see 25 balloons lighting up to a soundtrack provided by BBC Bristol from 9pm on Thursday and Saturday.
The unprecedented spell of weather means that the grass and parkland at Ashton Court is unusually dry and the fireworks present the biggest risk within the event programme during this period of extended heat with no rain. Visitors are also asked not to bring barbeques or camping stoves to the fiesta this year.
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The fire precautions on site include additional fire safety teams to ensure maximum protection for the parkland. Organisers are also asking visitors to leave their dogs at home as temperatures are expected to hit 35 degrees across the weekend and there is limited shade on site.
Visitors are reminded they can bring sun shades to use in the yellow zone of the arena but asked to be considerate of others as the crowds gather for the night glows. There will be water refill points across the event so visitors are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles.
Chris Allcock, Chairman of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta voluntary board, says: “As organisers, we are having to take a number of precautions for the safety of our customers and the protection of our beautiful home at Ashton Court. Sadly the fireworks present a significant risk because of the wide firing range and potential for fallout to cause a fire.
“We are putting into place a number of additional fire precautions around the balloons and night glow to ensure that we can operate safely in the current scorching weather. Our main attractions, including the fiestas morning and afternoon ascents and the new Brizzle Kicks with Pip and Posy area, will ensure visitors will have a brilliant free weekend.”
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