Has anyone been to Bowood Balloon Festival before?

[TooTicky]

Just wondered how good it was, how likely to be crowded, etc. What are the unspecified "family fun" events? Good day out for dcs 10, 8, 5 and nearly 2 or not?

I haven't been to that one but we did go to one elsewhere, or at least attempted to as (be warned) if the weather conditions are not favourable the balloons won't take off.

Its worth bearing in mind to avoid deeply disappointed children IYSWIM. Have a Plan B.

The other entertainment at the one we went to was a Funfair .

We go to the one at Bristol and there is always lots to do and see. Take food and drink with you to keep the cost down. If the weather is bad, or even if it doesn't seem to be (high winds after take-off) the balloons don't always go up as planned, though. I didn't know there was one at Bowood, I will check that out.

I lived in Bristol for years and neverwent to the Fiesta - could see the balloons just fine from my window .
Now we're not too far from Bowood, thought the dcs might enjoy it, but it does look like a big event.

Just had a look at the Bowood one, and it seems very much like the Bristol event. In Bristol though, it is free admission. You have to pay to park, unless you are lucky to find a space within walking distance of Ashton Court. We pay around £5 to park in a field in Long Ashton.