City of Bristol Pipes and Drums

Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2011

Written by Clive Reid Monday, 15 August 2011 19:31

Balloon Fiesta

Bristol City Pipes and Drums played its part in the 2011 Bristol Balloon Fiesta. It was probably the most successful fiesta with over 500,000 visitors over the four days. The Band turned out in some strength to play three times on the Saturday. We played twice in the afternoon to entertain many thousands of good natured people gathered around the grounds. In the evening we returned to play during the Night Glow event when, after dusk, a large number of balloons quietly inflated in the dark before providing a spectacular illuminated display of flaring burners bursting forth in time to music.

The band had the privileged position of being right in the centre of the arena along with the select few. When the Night Glow was over, most of the balloons deflated and a scintillating firework display cascaded to the west. When this finished, Pipe Major Bill Gass struck up with Amazing Grace to be joined by the full band. We immediately followed with Flower of Scotland and Scotland the Brave ending with a crisp stop! This time our performance was broadcast over an impressive speaker system.

We then marched across the arena (no mean feat, over rough turf and in the dark) to where the last remaining balloon, the Cameron Balloon, remained straining at its tethers. It was the 40th. Anniversary of Cameron Balloons as a production company and we had the especial honour to play for Don Cameron who is both the President of the Band and Founder of Cameron Balloons.

As the crowds dispersed the pipes and drums continued to be heard in informal celebration in the Balloon Pilots Pavilion for some time.