RedM Posted August 12, 2023 Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 For anyone thinking of coming this morning flying has just been cancelled. Too gusty at 1000 feet Hope this saves anyone a journey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slacker Posted August 12, 2023 Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 32 minutes ago, RedM said: For anyone thinking of coming this morning flying has just been cancelled. Too gusty at 1000 feet Hope this saves anyone a journey It will save the balloon pilots one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 12, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 50 minutes ago, Slacker said: It will save the balloon pilots one. Quite a few are here on site, but no a fair few also didn't show for the briefing. Gusty up top but the main problem is also the landings, drag landings dangerous and unpredictable and beyond safety limits. Balloon glow tonight is predicted to be baskets at best at the moment, no canopy's. Not the same at all, but again safety first. I've already seen a few pilots put rips or burns in their balloons yesterday, and they certainly aren't a cheap repair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slacker Posted August 12, 2023 Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 It does feel like it goes this way ever year doesn't it.Hope you have a good time up there anyway. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshtonGreat Posted August 12, 2023 Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 What a crock of crap 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slacker Posted August 12, 2023 Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 Haven't been for years now but the best bit was always taking an empty backpack and seeing how many free samples of chocolate,pens,toothpaste,mini cans of drink and even packs of plasters you could blag. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 12, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 2 hours ago, Slacker said: Haven't been for years now but the best bit was always taking an empty backpack and seeing how many free samples of chocolate,pens,toothpaste,mini cans of drink and even packs of plasters you could blag. Sadly times must be hard for traders, I've only been outside of the area once and didn't find any freebies. Food stalls and every charity you could imagine wanting your money though 4 hours ago, AshtonGreat said: What a crock of crap Care to elaborate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshtonGreat Posted August 12, 2023 Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 (edited) 18 minutes ago, RedM said: Sadly times must be hard for traders, I've only been outside of the area once and didn't find any freebies. Food stalls and every charity you could imagine wanting your money though Care to elaborate? There wasn't a single balloon in sight - not even on the ground. I get that the weather wasn't right (it was actually dry and sunny), but there was no plan B while we were there. No entertainment in the arena at all. And the things they did have around the edge were incredibly expensive. Edited August 12, 2023 by AshtonGreat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 12, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 17 minutes ago, AshtonGreat said: There wasn't a single balloon in sight - not even on the ground. I get that the weather wasn't right (it was actually dry and sunny), but there was no plan B while we were there. No entertainment in the arena at all. And the things they did have around the edge were incredibly expensive. To be honest the event has been put on with quite severe budget cuts this year from what I can witness. All the balloons are here ready to go but as I stress safety first. Also they are very expensive items as I have said and a balloon soaked in rain will go mouldy very quickly if there isn't further opportunity to dry it pretty quickly 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshtonGreat Posted August 12, 2023 Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 10 minutes ago, RedM said: To be honest the event has been put on with quite severe budget cuts this year from what I can witness. All the balloons are here ready to go but as I stress safety first. Also they are very expensive items as I have said and a balloon soaked in rain will go mouldy very quickly if there isn't further opportunity to dry it pretty quickly To be fair, I didn't see your earlier message warning people not to come. I just find it slightly bizarre that such a massive event, with people travelling from miles around, hangs on such a fine precipice. I get that there's not much they can do about that - I just wish there'd been some kind of arena entertainment, and that everything else wasn't so expensive (though ripping people off seems to be the trend everywhere these days) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 12, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 39 minutes ago, AshtonGreat said: To be fair, I didn't see your earlier message warning people not to come. I just find it slightly bizarre that such a massive event, with people travelling from miles around, hangs on such a fine precipice. I get that there's not much they can do about that - I just wish there'd been some kind of arena entertainment, and that everything else wasn't so expensive (though ripping people off seems to be the trend everywhere these days) I agree but I guess it's difficult for the organisers. The balloons are the entertainment as such and they are pretty much in the arena when possible, even if it is only tethering or having demonstrations etc. But if they can't do that what happens, as you say pretty much nothing. If it's raining the arena gets shut off as they don't want it churned up. And also what do the organisers do, spend £££'s on back up entertainment that they might not need? I've seen a ton of stuff here over the years, from the Red Arrows , hugely expensive but a big crowd puller, to horses, dogs, etc etc Btw, no flying tonight and still undecided if a full glow or just baskets and burners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshtonGreat Posted August 12, 2023 Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 6 minutes ago, RedM said: I agree but I guess it's difficult for the organisers. The balloons are the entertainment as such and they are pretty much in the arena when possible, even if it is only tethering or having demonstrations etc. But if they can't do that what happens, as you say pretty much nothing. If it's raining the arena gets shut off as they don't want it churned up. And also what do the organisers do, spend £££'s on back up entertainment that they might not need? I've seen a ton of stuff here over the years, from the Red Arrows , hugely expensive but a big crowd puller, to horses, dogs, etc etc Btw, no flying tonight and still undecided if a full glow or just baskets and burners. Fair points, mate. At least it doesn't cost to get in. Hopefully they'll have more luck tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 12, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2023 Just been decided, full glow tonight! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 13, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2023 They are cleared to fly today, but not many will I don't think. Their balloons are very wet from the Nightglow rain, they might tether to dry. At the moment they saying tonight looks flyable too 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loco Rojo Posted August 13, 2023 Report Share Posted August 13, 2023 (edited) Saw 4 go up but It looked too windy. I think the weather will have ruined this mornings attempt. Edited August 13, 2023 by Loco Rojo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 13, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2023 21 minutes ago, Loco Rojo said: Saw 4 go up but It looked too windy. I think the weather will have ruined this mornings attempt. Yes, it looks like those 4 went up and reported conditions that weren't suitable after all so they stopped anymore from flying. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loco Rojo Posted August 13, 2023 Report Share Posted August 13, 2023 (edited) 3 minutes ago, RedM said: Yes, it looks like those 4 went up and reported conditions that weren't suitable after all so they stopped anymore from flying. Yeah, i just saw the update as well. A good effort but safety has to come first. Fingers crossed for 6pm and they've had time to dry the canopies out - weather looks better then. On the plus side Ashton Gate looks amazing from Brandon Hill at 6.30am Edited August 13, 2023 by Loco Rojo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 13, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2023 1 hour ago, TomF said: Rare for Sunday evenings. Only seen a handful over years Yes me too. Most pilots who aren't local tend to leave before the Sunday pm spot. They got an awards/prize giving mid afternoon so doubt many will stay after that. Not many who got their balloons wet have put them up to dry yet so may see some tethering or flying later perhaps. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loco Rojo Posted August 13, 2023 Report Share Posted August 13, 2023 2 hours ago, RedM said: Yes me too. Most pilots who aren't local tend to leave before the Sunday pm spot. They got an awards/prize giving mid afternoon so doubt many will stay after that. Not many who got their balloons wet have put them up to dry yet so may see some tethering or flying later perhaps. Thanks for the info about tonight RedM. Lots to consider. Are you involved in some way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 13, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2023 1 hour ago, Loco Rojo said: Thanks for the info about tonight RedM. Lots to consider. Are you involved in some way? I am in a very small way. I do have full access to briefings etc that the pilots have. Luckily I have access to the marquee area, free food and parking etc, I am hugely fortunate in that way, otherwise it would be a hell of a struggle with weather like this. I fully appreciate how hard it has been for most, largely due to the weather. And no, I am nothing to do with the organisers so don't shoot the messenger They still intend flying tonight, but as already stated Sunday does tend to be a pack up and go day. Briefing is still planned for 6pm as far as I know so will be decided then unless the weather gets us first! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loco Rojo Posted August 13, 2023 Report Share Posted August 13, 2023 10 minutes ago, RedM said: I am in a very small way. I do have full access to briefings etc that the pilots have. Luckily I have access to the marquee area, free food and parking etc, I am hugely fortunate in that way, otherwise it would be a hell of a struggle with weather like this. I fully appreciate how hard it has been for most, largely due to the weather. And no, I am nothing to do with the organisers so don't shoot the messenger They still intend flying tonight, but as already stated Sunday does tend to be a pack up and go day. Briefing is still planned for 6pm as far as I know so will be decided then unless the weather gets us first! I thought you might do judging by your posts above. That's very cool and don't worry, i won't hold you to it It's the comments on their Facebook page from the idiots that moan that i'd rather shoot The weather can be so unlucky and it must be difficult for the pilots when they can't go up. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1960maaan Posted August 13, 2023 Report Share Posted August 13, 2023 On 12/08/2023 at 06:09, RedM said: For anyone thinking of coming this morning flying has just been cancelled. Too gusty at 1000 feet Hope this saves anyone a journey Wish I'd seen this yesterday, but had just dragged the Wife out the door. There was nothing on social media before we left so thought we would chance it. Shame as it seemed still , dry and warm at ground level. We ended up with a nice bacon roll ( the people running the van were chomping at the bit to get off home). Wandered around the arena watching them play with the Bunsen Burners then took a look around the Gardens. It's a shame as it was the first time in years we have managed to get up early enough to make it worthwhile. Got a picture a young girl who was either on fire, a devil child or it could be the angle of the photo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 13, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2023 Live from briefing....no flying tonight. Rain coming in earlier than expected. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loco Rojo Posted August 13, 2023 Report Share Posted August 13, 2023 6 minutes ago, RedM said: Live from briefing....no flying tonight. Rain coming in earlier than expected. Thanks RedM. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted August 14, 2023 Admin Report Share Posted August 14, 2023 I must admit that I haven't been in a very very long time, back to the days of GWR having a radio one roadshow kind of event I must admit that I am really put off by the uncertainty about flying (I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for all the pilots and their flight crew) is there much else on site that is an attraction anymore? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E.G.Red Posted August 15, 2023 Report Share Posted August 15, 2023 On 14/08/2023 at 17:29, phantom said: I must admit that I haven't been in a very very long time, back to the days of GWR having a radio one roadshow kind of event I must admit that I am really put off by the uncertainty about flying (I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for all the pilots and their flight crew) is there much else on site that is an attraction anymore? Think having a BBC Sounds 'introducing' as they do at The Hundred would be good to showcase some local talent. Doesn't have to take up any more space than the old GWR set. It would also encourage more people to visit as at the moment if the balloons can't fly, people tend to stay away as there is no alternative entertainment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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