Artist Emily Powell to paint live, and in the sky, at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is set to welcome acclaimed contemporary artist Emily Powell this August, bringing a vibrant new dimension to one of the city’s most iconic events.

Taking place from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August at Ashton Court Estate, the free-to-attend Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in partnership with Albert Goodman will see Emily painting live across the entire weekend, capturing the colour, movement and magic of one of the world’s most famous gathering of hot air balloons. 

Known for expressive, large-scale works bursting with colour and energy, Emily Powell will create a series of paintings inspired by the Fiesta atmosphere, with hot air balloons featuring prominently in her joyful, dynamic style. Visitors will be able to watch her creative process unfold as she paints in front of Fiesta visitors, turning blank canvasses into bold works of art.  

In a unique highlight of the weekend, Emily will also take her creativity to new heights, quite literally, by painting on canvas during a hot air balloon flight (weather dependent), offering a perspective of Bristol’s rolling landscape and the Fiesta’s signature skyline few artists have ever captured live. 

Emily Powell said: “To live paint and be part of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is such an honour. The Fiesta is such an iconic part of the yearly calendar both in Bristol and the South West, and the opportunity to capture it from both the ground and up in the air is unlike anything I've ever done before.” 

Alongside her live demonstrations, Emily will have a selection of original artworks available to purchase throughout the weekend, and will be taking on-site commissions, offering visitors the chance to own a one-of-a-kind piece inspired by their own Fiesta experience. 

At the heart of the experience of the Fiesta, is a game of chance, will these feats of engineering take flight. When weather conditions allow for a mass ascent, visitors witness a spectacle like no other. From Friday to Sunday the compact central arena becomes awash with a rainbow of colour at dawn, approximately 6am, and just before dusk, approximately 6pm. 

On Friday and Saturday, visitors can stay beyond nightfall to experience the event’s iconic Nightglows. After dark, dozens of hot air balloons inflate, and use their burners to glow in time to a soundtrack of inspiring music to bring the crowd of spectators to their feet. 

There are still multiple opportunities for visitors to experience the magic of ballooning and this unique day out even when the weather prevents the hot air balloons from taking flight.   

Outside of the scheduled balloon launches and iconic Nightglows, the main arena is programmed throughout the day to keep audiences entertained. From visitor favourites including Meet the Pilots, inflation races and tethered hot air balloons, to stunt displays, interactive challenges and Samba bands.  

Beyond the arena, a programme of entertainment, traders, exhibitors, caterers and activities allow visitors to experience the magic of ballooning and this unique day out. 

For more information about Emily’s work, visit www.emilypowellstudio.com  
For more information and details of the full event programme, visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk.  
For those planning to drive to the event, car parking, in partnership with official car partner, Chery, must be booked in advance, through the Fiesta’s website, https://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/car-park-tickets.  
Stay up to date with the latest news by following the Fiesta’s social media channels. Follow @bristolballoon on Instagram, X, and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook for the latest news and updates.