Lift off for Bristol & West of England China Bureau at 2026 International Balloon Fiesta
As the world-famous Bristol International Balloon Fiesta once again launches from Ashton Court, business-people from across the South-West looking to see how they could benefit from developing closer relationships with both China and Bristol’s sister city Guangzhou, can meet members of the Bristol & West of England China Bureau at the fiesta’s opening business breakfast.
Taking place on Friday 7 August, from 5.30am to 9am, the breakfast will be set against the magical backdrop of the Fiesta’s first mass ascent, where guests will first witness the 2026 Opening Ceremony while enjoying breakfast refreshments before engaging with two thought-provoking discussions.
Providing a platform for businesses and individuals in Bristol and the region to develop understanding and connect with like-minded organisations in both China and Guangzhou, members of the Bureau will be on hand to discuss further how businesses from across the region can forge stronger relationships.
2026 also marks a particularly special year for the Bureau as it’s celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Bristol / Guangzhou sister partnership.
Richard Lowe, Director for Business Initiatives said: “Following the success of last year, the Bristol & West of England China Bureau is delighted to be partnering, once again, to support this year’s Bristol International Ballon Fiesta Business Breakfast and to celebrate the rich multiculturism that makes Bristol a very special place to live, work and play.
“We look forward to meeting our members at this fantastic event with two superb panels and the first mass air ballon launch of the fiesta, plus we’ll be able to celebrate our 25th anniversary in style.”
This year’s breakfast event is to be hosted in partnership with Albert Goodman and IOD South West, and sponsored by Woven Films, CAB IT and Bristol Business Improvement District.
Alongside Bristol & West of England China Bureau the event is also supported by other membership organisations including Business West, Bristol Junior Chamber of Commerce and Tech West England Advocates.
The theme this year will be, The Sky’s the Limit, considering the wider role that culture, creativity, hospitality and collaboration play in creating economic prosperity.
Panel 1 – Building a city of opportunity. How culture, creativity and placemaking create strong economies.
Panel 2 – The sky’s the limit. How businesses can harness Bristol’s cultural strength to create economic opportunity.
TICKETS
The event is ticketed, with standard entry priced at £30 per person.
Members of partner membership organisations benefit from a discounted ticket price of £20 per person. There is also a group ticket option available, offering 10 tickets for £200.
Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite here