The Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta is back in York for 2022 – and here’s your complete guide to the spectacular three-day event.
Featuring mass balloon flights, the evening night glow show, fantastic family fun from fairground rides and live performances from top music stars, it is one not to miss.
YorkMix Radio are your hosts on the main stage, with the likes of Scouting For Girls, Gabrielle and BoyzLife performing.
Here’s what you need to know, from events to timings to travel.
The balloons
There will be more than 50 balloons this year, of all shapes and sizes! Here’s the best time to see them (all flights are subject to suitable weather).
Friday 23 September
- 4.45pm-5.45pm – Mass balloon launch
Saturday 23 September
- 7am-8pm – Morning mass balloon launch (no ticket required)
- 2pm-3pm – Balloon tethering
- 5pm-6pm – Mass balloon launch
Sunday 25 September
- 7am-8pm – Morning mass balloon launch (no ticket required)
- 12.45pm-1.45pm – Balloon tethering
- 4.45pm-5.45pm – Mass balloon launch
How to get there
Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta is held on the Knavesmire at York Racecourse. The postcode that takes you to Knavesmire Road is YO23 1EX.
By car
You can pre-book your parking online for £8 or pay on the day for £10
By bus
Askham Bar Park & Ride (No.3) will be running to and from the Knavesmire for the duration of the event.
Parking is free at the Park & Ride site and a return bus ticket costs £3.50. And three children 16 and under travel free with a full fare paying adult.
The service has extended its closing hours too so visitors have ample time to get back to their cars:
- Friday 23rd September – Services run until 11.30pm
- Saturday 24th September – Services run until 11.30pm
- Sunday 25th September – Services run until 10.30pm
For more information about the Park & Ride please click here.
Night glows
The hugely popular Night Glows feature tethered hot air balloons lighting up to a mixture of music. Again, this is weather dependent.
Friday 23 September & Saturday 23 September @ 8.50pm-9.10pm
The music
An amazing line up of musical talent star in this year’s fiesta. Here’s the headliners and their timings:
- Scouting For Girls play on Friday from 7.45pm-8.45pm
- Gabrielle plays on Saturday from 6.30pm-7.30pm
- Heather Small plays on Saturday from 8.10pm-8.40pm
- BoyzLife play on Saturday from 9.15pm-10.15pm
- Andy & the Odd Socks play on Sunday from 3.30pm-4.40pm
Here are the DJ sets:
- Craig Charles plays funk and soul from 9.15pm-10.15pm
- Howard Donald brings his energetic set to the stage from 5.45pm-6.45pm
Other music includes:
- Sam Sax on Friday from 6.30pm-7.30pm
- Huge on Saturday from 1pm-2pm
- YolanDa’s Band Jam on Sunday from 2pm-3pm
Family activities
There are some fantastic family activities to enjoy on all three days.
Friday 23 September
- York’s Largest Funfair – all day
- The Labyrinth Challenge – the world’s largest inflatable obstacle course – all day
- Owl Adventure 4pm-4.30pm
- Children’s Activity Tent 3pm-7pm
Saturday 24 September
- York’s Largest Funfair – all day
- The Labyrinth Challenge – the world’s largest inflatable obstacle course – all day
- Owl Adventure 11.30am-Noon & 4.30pm-5pm
- Stunt World International 12.15pm-12:45pm & 4pm-4.30pm
- Brainiac Live 3pm-4pm
- Children’s Activity Tent 10.30am-6pm
Sunday 25 September
- York’s Largest Funfair – all day
- The Labyrinth Challenge – the world’s largest inflatable obstacle course – all day
- Owl Adventure 11.30am-Noon
- Stunt World International 3pm-3.30pm
- Brainiac Live 3pm-4pm
- Children’s Activity Tent 10.30am-6pm
Spectacular finale
The finale on Sunday 25 September begins with Symphonic Ibiza from 7pm-8pm.
They take to the stage with a thrilling live orchestra and high tempo beats from renowned club DJ Andy Joyce.
Then it’s the Firework Finale from 8.10pm. This is absolutely awesome, and a dazzling way to bring the fiesta to a close.
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