Collett Transport Services has become title sponsor for the 2011 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, a package worth more than £120,000. A hot air balloon with carry the company’s brand at the next month's event which is expected to attract half a million people over the four days between August 11-14.
The Lord Mayor, Cllr Geoff Gollop, drew the names of four Balloon Fiesta 100 Club members at a gala dinner at the Mansion House, Ashton Court, last night to identify not only the Fiesta's title sponsor but also sponsors of the two popular Night Glow displays and the patron of the Red Arrows display.
Members of the 100 Club support the Fiesta by investing £2,000 in return for a package of sponsorship benefits plus the chance to become a key sponsor of Bristol’s biggest event.
Andy Collett, from Collett Transport Services said: “This is the third year that we have been a 100 Club member. We’ve always been really proud to support the Balloon Fiesta and to be pulled out the hat is such a bonus.
“The 100 Club introduced us to ballooning and we’ve been passionate about it every since. My wife, Bridget and I are now training as balloon pilots and the thought of being able to fly at the event in a balloon bearing our company name is overwhelming.”
Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre will sponsor the Thursday Night Glow and Goodridge will present the Saturday Night Glow, while the patron of the world famous Red Arrows display will be Spire Hospital Bristol.
Anna O’Shea from Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre, said: “After winning the Bristol’s Large Hotel of the Year Award 2011 we are all so pleased to be selected as the sponsor of the Thursday Night Glow.
“The Fiesta adds so much to the tourism economy in the city so getting involved with this iconic event is the perfect opportunity for a hospitality provider like us to engage with the local community while supporting our own industry.”
Bill Ray from Goodridge, said: “This is the second year we’ve been part of the 100 Club. It’s a relatively modest investment to join the 100 Club, especially when you have the chance of winning such an esteemed prize. We’ll definitely be making the most of the exposure this gives our brand.”
Rob Anderson of Spire Hospital added: “Being chosen as the main sponsor of the Red Arrows is an enormous privilege for us at The Glen, Spire Bristol Hospital."
Muir Moffat, chairman of this year’s organising committee said: “We look forward to working with our main sponsors and all of this year’s members to deliver another spectacular ballooning event for the hundreds of thousands of people that visit the Fiesta each year.”
