Bristol’s iconic balloon fiesta is underway with the city’s economy expecting to land a multi-million pound boost from more than 500,000 visitors descending on Ashton Court.
Now in its 36th year, the event attracts more than 100 balloons from across the world, making it one of the UK’s top five outdoor events.
Over the years it has become a symbol of Bristol innovation and creativity, gaining media coverage across the globe estimated to be worth £2m. 
It is also becoming a focus for business activity with the annual fiesta business breakfast sponsored by law firm Thrings taking place this morning shortly after the mass ascent of more than 120 balloons.
In a panel debate and question-and-answer session the breakfast looked at whether Bristol can make it as a high flying tech centre?
This afternoon planning and property consultancy Barton Willmore sponsors the Bristol Property Networking event with JLL and Thrings at the fiesta.
Its Bristol partner Simon Prescott said “The fiesta helps keep Bristol on the worldwide map and the impact it has on the local economy is immense. For us, a growing practice in Bristol, we are proud to support an event that is so important to Bristol. Supporting the Fiesta is vital; much like gas will be to balloons at ascent.”
The event will bring together key organisations and professionals interested in shaping Bristol city for conversation and to watch this evening’s mass balloon launch.
Barton Willmore, along with Thrings and JLL, is a member of the Fiesta’s 100 Club. Launched several years ago, it gives businesses unparalleled exposure through a range of profile-raising and branding opportunities.
Thrings corporate partner in Bristol, Jane Oakland, who chairs the Fiesta’s 2014 organising committee, said: “The fiesta plays an enormous role in the economy of Bristol and the wider West of England – not only is it a symbol of Bristol around the world but brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors who spend money not just at the fiesta itself but in hotels, shops and restaurants in the city.”
The Fiesta’s charity this year is Bristol Above & Beyond charity and all money raised by it at the event will specifically support its £6m Golden Gift Appeal to raise funds to transform Bristol cancer centre, the BHOC (Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre) and the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) for millions of patients for generations to come.
