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We're thinking of going to this in August.  The official web site has listed three sites, one of which being a caravan club has been booked up since god knows when.  Has anybody got any ideas of alternative sites, I appreciate that this will invariably mean staying out of Bristol, don't mind that so long as it's not too far out.

We'll be in a tent, and don't mind about the availability or not of EHU

Any thoughts on this one ?

Thanks

I'm not sure about this but many years ago when I was teenager - we used to go every year to the balloon festival for a day out and I am sure there used to be camping actually in Ashton Court for the duration of the festival. Doubt there were any loos or showers though.

I would advise that if you camp outside of Bristol be prepared for huge parking and taffic problems.  In recent years its become a bit of nightmare - so much so, despite being a Bristolian and go back to the city reguarly, I have never yet taken my own kids to this wonderful festival.  Last year they also closed Clifton Suspension Bridge which makes parking in Clifton and trotting over the bridge into Ashton Court a bit of a no no. If you do go, a good evening out is the balloon glow which uis usually held on The Downs.

The night glow is definitely worth seeing.  The last few years they've done one on the Thursday and the Saturday because it got so popular.  But i've always seen it at Ashton Court, never on The Downs (i lived in Bristol for 6 years so ignore the fact I'm up in the snowy north now!!)

I can't help with the camping, but like emvid said, you definitely need to be prepared for traffic trouble - it may be worth looking at public transport.  Or just allow plenty of time to get there.  The local radio station is usually pretty good at keeping you updated on hotspots.

And have fun .  I miss not being able to go so easily every year

Quote: Originally posted by highlandcamper on 31/5/2006

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The night glow is definitely worth seeing.  The last few years they've done one on the Thursday and the Saturday because it got so popular.  But i've always seen it at Ashton Court, never on The Downs (i lived in Bristol for 6 years so ignore the fact I'm up in the snowy north now!!)

I can't help with the camping, but like emvid said, you definitely need to be prepared for traffic trouble - it may be worth looking at public transport.  Or just allow plenty of time to get there.  The local radio station is usually pretty good at keeping you updated on hotspots.

And have fun .  I miss not being able to go so easily every year

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Its been a few years since I have been to the balloon glow and it was on the downs but maybe it is now at Ashton court instead.

Highland Camper - see you're a Bristolian in Inverness. I'm oriinally from Bristol but move all over. Used to live just down the road from you in Elgin.

Quote: Originally posted by emvid1 on 31/5/2006

Its been a few years since I have been to the balloon glow and it was on the downs but maybe it is now at Ashton court instead.

Highland Camper - see you're a Bristolian in Inverness. I'm oriinally from Bristol but move all over. Used to live just down the road from you in Elgin.

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Emvid, I'm actually a Gloucestrian by birth, moved all the way to Bristol back in the late 90's, then up here just over a year ago.  Bit of a culture shock to say the least!  But I love it up here.  I've been to Elgin a few times - mainly through it, but we have been to the cathedral.

Back to nightglow, I don't know when they moved it, or why, but it was definitely at Ashton Court last time I went in 2004.

Highlandcamper, 2004 is more recent than I have been,so probably more accurate.