Bristol-based Richmond Event Management (REM) was once again entrusted to operate and oversee all aspects of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Europe’s largest hot air balloon event.
With over 300 traders, 150 hot air balloon teams, mass ascents, Nightglows and Cirque Bijou performances, The 38th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests to Bristol’s Ashton Court Estate.
REM once again oversaw all aspects of the event. This included event management, creative content, operational planning, site infrastructure, the handling of its commercial relationships, securing sponsorship and managing concession.
This year, REM implemented a new traffic management plan, which was brought into force following previous congestion caused by the event’s popularity. With more cars on site than last year, the new plan improved the traffic flow around the site, helped to reduce congestion and ensured all cars were offsite quicker than ever before.

Following public feedback, REM also downsized the funfair and programmed a new area for families and children in partnership with Cirque Bijou, featuring workshops, street shows and games.
Ben Hardy, operations director at REM, commented: “Our contractors are true, experienced, qualified professionals, and this team has been a fundamental part of the events success this year.
“As it’s a large public gathering, we worked closely with Avon and Somerset Constabulary regarding counterterrorism, and our multi-agency planning ensured we had every eventuality covered. With hundreds of thousands of attendees, we once again witnessed another brilliant year at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which is a truly special event.”