Colors of Bristol - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Each year Bristol hosts a great event of the international scale, which never ceases to attract the attention of a huge number of travelers. This is the Festival of Balloons. For many years Ashton Court located in the suburb of Bristol has been chosen the regular venue for the event. The event takes place in August and traditionally attracts a huge number of sportsmen from all over the world.

For the first time the festival was held in 1978. Don Cameron is considered its founder. At that time he was the owner and founder of the largest manufacture producing balloons. He was so inspired by his work that he decided to show beautiful balloons to the residents of the city. The locals were very delighted with the event. A couple of years later balloonists from other countries started attending the festival. Nowadays the festival is a large-scale event of the world level. During three days the audience fascinatingly watches huge aircrafts, which soar into the sky gracefully and paint it in all colors of the rainbow.

During the three days of the festival as many as over a hundred of balloons fly high into the sky. The total number of flights during the time of the festival exceeds one thousand. Viewers are also welcome to take part in the event and make a ride on the balloon they like. Visitors who seek thrilling opportunities are offered to try something really unique - to fly in a balloon, which basket has a transparent bottom. In addition to thrilling "air" activities, visitors will find lots of interesting ideas and entertainment without leaving the ground. Children will fall in love with numerous rides, and all other visitors are welcome to have great time in numerous summer cafes, which lure visitors with delicious smell of traditional dishes. The majority of local restaurants and pubs traditionally organize interesting theme nights for their guests. Outdoor recreation fans have a wonderful opportunity to take a barbecue grill and go for a picnic. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Fairs are also mandatory events that take place during the festival. These colorful markets of all kinds are a great place to purchase sweets, interesting crafts and souvenirs in the form of balloons. They will make a perfect memorable gift. Despite the fact that such events are held annually in different countries, Bristol International Balloons Fiesta is distinguished by a large number of peculiarities and unique traditions. This is not just a parade of aeronauts, but a large-scale and multi-faceted festival that becomes even more interesting year after year.

Local residents are known for their welcoming and friendly attitude towards those who've decided to visit their hometown. They are always ready to help if someone needs it, no matter what color of skin and eyes, gender or nationality you have. Often they can offer assistance themselves if they feel that it is really needed. Local residents are also distinguished by their love of freedom, and this manifests itself in their self-restraint. It is also worth noting that locals are famous for their ability to keep any conversation, which means that you never feel uncomfortable or bored with them.

In early July, you can witness such a colorful event as St. Pauls Carnival. It is a street parade that starts from St. Pauls Church. The program includes costumed processions around the city and, of course, mass festivities and music shows. This is one of the largest events in the United Kingdom, which is definitely worth a visit. Another interesting event is River Town. During its holding period, various locations in Bristol become arenas for musical evenings of blues, country, and gospel. The venues where you can hear these genres are Colston Hall, Wardrobe Theater, and Thekla. Among the headliners are some of the most talented and eminent performers of the genres.

Those who are lucky enough to visit Bristol in early September should not ignore another interesting musical event - The Downs Festival taking place in the Downs Park. You can listen to such music genres as indie rock, alternative rock, electronic music and techno, as well as enjoy the beauty of nature since this is an open-air festival. In the middle of the month, fans of cultural pastime will surely appreciate the opportunity to visit many cultural institutions for free (there are more than 120 of them!). The name of the event is Bristol Doors Open Days.

Those who like the divine foamy drink equally appreciate such an event as Bristol Craft Beer Festival, which is held in Canons Way in mid-September. Besides the fact that the best beers are presented at the festival, here you can also taste snacks to the drink, and all this is accompanied by great music brightening up the atmosphere and putting people in the right mood. In late July, North Street becomes a venue for such a colorful event as Upfest. This is a free event, during which graffiti masters demonstrate all their talents, which turns out to be very exciting.

Arriving in the city at the same time, namely at the end of July, you should not miss Bristol Harbor Festival. It takes place on Harborside, the program includes a show of magnificent ships of all types, as well as music shows, circus performances, art exhibitions, dances, and a gastronomic program, of course. This is a very multi-faceted festival considered to be one of the largest festivals of its kind in the whole of the UK. By the way, you can visit it for absolutely free of charge.

In the middle of November, fans of electronic music, digital art, and performances gather at Submerge Festival, an event that takes place in different locations. This is one of the most unusual and fancy festivals of its kind in the whole of the UK, and many talented artists from all over the world regularly attend it as participants. Gourmets would probably be interested in such a gastronomic event in the city as Bristol Food Connections. At this time, Harborside comes alive and turns into a "big tent". Many restaurants providing a special menu for this time join the celebration as well.

In early July, Brisbane pleases its visitors by holding the event with the name of NASS. It is a sports and music event that takes place at various venues of the city, during which people take part in skateboarding, BMX, and street art contests. Another interesting event is Bristol Volksfest held in the middle of June near Bristol, in Long Ashton (Wild Country Ln). The festival plunges into the atmosphere of a family holiday with its rich program including musical concerts and art exhibitions.