Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2025: Hot-Air Balloon Crashes Into Primary School as Festival Honours Its Pioneer

The opening day of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta began with drama when a hot-air balloon basket brushed the roof of Oasis Academy Connaught in Knowle West during the first mass ascent.

The primary school was largely empty due to the summer holidays, and no one was injured, but the incident caused minor roof damage and sparked curiosity among onlookers at one of the UK's most iconic ballooning events.

Organisers said the balloon suffered a power issue shortly after take-off, which led to its brief contact with the school building. The basket came to rest safely in the school's playing field.

Staff, including site manager Rob Price, acted quickly to manage the situation, and repairs to the damaged tiles began immediately.

Honouring a Bristol Ballooning Pioneer

The incident occurred on a day of special significance, as the fiesta paid tribute to Don Cameron, founder of Cameron Balloons and a towering figure in aeronautics.

In 1967, Cameron built Western Europe's first modern hot-air balloon, the Bristol Belle, from his flat in the city. Today, his company, based in Bedminster, is a global leader in balloon manufacturing.

Now aged 86, Cameron spoke candidly about the passing years, joking: 'Birthdays when you get to my stage are not good news at all. But it's better than the alternative!'

His son Dave, the company's technical director, discussed the challenges facing the industry, from Brexit to shifting government policies, but reaffirmed the firm's commitment to its employees.

Long-serving staff such as Julia Dalby described their work as a 'marvellous experience' and the ballooning community as an 'extended family'.

Sales director Nick Purvis reflected on the thrill of seeing their creations float across skies worldwide, while newer recruits training as balloon pilots expressed pride in carrying on Bristol's ballooning tradition.

New Attractions at the 2025 Bristol Balloon Fiesta

This year's event introduced fresh experiences for visitors. 'In The Clouds', an immersive flight simulation set inside a cold-inflated hot-air balloon, offers a soundscape and film celebrating Bristol's ballooning heritage. The attraction is free, though donations are encouraged.

Another innovation, 'Flight Control', developed in partnership with GWR, allows spectators to track balloon landings in real time on digital maps, revealing the event's reach far beyond Ashton Court Estate.

Executive Director Ben Hardy and Flight Director Clive Bailey say the expanded programme is designed to appeal to both first-time visitors and long-time enthusiasts.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The Bristol Balloon Fiesta draws more than 100,000 visitors each year, boosting local tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors. Hotels often sell out months in advance, while restaurants, shops, and attractions across the city benefit from the influx of guests. The event also promotes sustainable tourism practices, using eco-friendly resources and encouraging responsible travel.

Improvements in transport infrastructure during the festival benefit residents as well as visitors, and the event creates seasonal employment in hospitality, transport, and event management. Its media coverage and social media presence extend Bristol's profile worldwide, encouraging tourists to return year after year.

Fiesta Spirit Remains Strong

Despite the unexpected balloon incident at Oasis Academy Connaught, the 2025 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has maintained its festive spirit. The combination of breathtaking mass ascents, innovative attractions, and a heartfelt tribute to Don Cameron ensures the event remains one of the UK's most beloved summer celebrations, a symbol of Bristol's creativity, resilience, and community pride.