Yatton primary welcomes Fiesta roadshow
Pupils at Chestnut Park Primary School in Yatton have had an early taste of this summer’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta through a visit from the event’s Schools Tether Roadshow. The session, held on Friday 10 July, brought ballooning up close for children through learning activities focused on the science and heritage of hot air balloons.
The roadshow selected just five schools from across Bristol and North Somerset after almost 200 registrations of interest. Schools chosen were offered a tethered balloon visit where weather allowed, alongside classroom resources and practical demonstrations designed to support curriculum learning.
Hands-on learning with pilots and crews
Organisers said the programme gives pupils time with balloon pilots and crew members to discuss how balloons are prepared, launched and recovered, and to explore topics such as heat, lift and safety. Where wind or rain prevented a full tethered inflation, schools were provided with model balloons and educational presentations so sessions could continue.
- Pupils met balloon pilots and crew to learn about operations and safety.
- Activities covered the science of flight, including heat and buoyancy.
- Every school not selected for a visit will receive a Balloon Fiesta activity pack for classroom use.
The visit forms part of the Fiesta’s wider community work, intended to encourage interest in engineering and environmental science while highlighting the region’s long association with ballooning. The roadshow is delivered in partnership with Albert Goodman.
Fiesta dates and what’s planned
The 2026 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is scheduled for 7–9 August at Ashton Court Estate. Organisers have confirmed two of the event’s hallmark attractions, with Night Glow shows due to take place on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
| Date | Planned features |
|---|---|
| 7 August (Fri) | Event opens; Night Glow in the evening |
| 8 August (Sat) | Daytime programme; Night Glow in the evening |
| 9 August (Sun) | Daytime programme |
For North Somerset families planning to attend, the timing of the school roadshow offers context for what children can expect to see on site at Ashton Court, and provides a foundation in the principles behind the displays.
Weather-dependent programme and classroom support
The tethered balloon element is inherently weather dependent, and dates for school visits were selected with safety and forecast conditions in mind. Organisers stated that when a full inflation was not possible, schools were still able to run structured sessions using smaller-scale equipment and talks. This approach ensures the learning objectives can be met without relying on ideal conditions.
While only five schools could be hosted by the roadshow this season, the Fiesta has committed to sharing an activity pack with those that expressed interest but were not selected. The pack is designed to help teachers adapt ballooning themes to different age groups, maintaining a link between the classroom and the region’s annual event.
Regional link and local benefit
The Balloon Fiesta is a longstanding showcase for the West of England, drawing visitors from across the area. For Yatton pupils, the roadshow is a practical introduction to a major cultural event and a way to explore science topics through a recognisable local tradition. The emphasis on meeting crews, understanding equipment and learning about flight aligns with the curriculum focus on observation, investigation and safety.
With the main event approaching in August, the roadshow visit has provided a timely primer for young attendees and their families, helping to set expectations around weather, scheduling and what can be safely delivered on the day. It also ensures that those unable to attend in person have access to learning materials tied directly to the Fiesta’s themes.
