A FUNDRAISING drive is being launched today to help raise the cash needed to stage this summer's Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

The free four-day festival is one of the biggest events in the city's calendar and regularly attracts crowds of up to 100,000 per day to Ashton Court.

Organisers need to raise up to £500,000 to stage the fiesta and they are calling on businesses in the city to sponsor the event through the 100 Club.

The aim is to raise between £150,000 to £200,000 by getting 100 businesses to each come up with £2,000 in sponsorship money.

A draw will then be held to choose which organisation or firm will be named as the main named sponsor of the event, which this year takes place from August 12 to 15. Two other firms will be picked to sponsor the ever-popular night glows.

The rest of the money needed for the fiesta is raised through traders and catering concessions and parking fees.

The scheme is being officially launched on today and nearly 20 firms have already agreed to sign up.

This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the festival and the whole event is being organised by a voluntary committee reporting to Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Ltd.

Over the four days, a series of events are planned including mass ascents of up to 150 balloons, the famous night glows, and arena and air displays including the famous Red Arrows. There will also be over 250 trade stands, local and international food stalls and a fun-fair.

The event itself is being run by Bristol based Richmond Event Management – which has helped organise the Bristol Harbour Festival and the Prom on the Close.

Companies that sign up to the 100 Club will be able to take advantage of a corporate hospitality package, branding and VIP tickets.

Those who have already signed on the dotted line include last year's main sponsor Harvey Nichols, launch event hosts Clarke Willmott, Bristol Airport, developers King Sturge, David Hathaway Transport, marquee firm Danco, Mercure Hotels, Constellation Wines and Euro-Recycling.

A launch event is being held tonight to encourage businesses to sign up to the scheme.

Muir Moffat, chairman of the organising committee, said: "The 100 Club provides a considerable return on investment for a modest outlay and we are very pleased with the support we have already had from local companies. The fiesta is a major tourist attraction for the city and has become as synonymous with Bristol as Brunel's suspension bridge.

"Images from the fiesta are used on marketing literature to promote Bristol far and wide, and we need the support of local businesses to ensure that we can put on the best possible show for the many thousands of people who come each year."

Sue Stones, general manager of Harvey Nichols in Bristol, added: "The Balloon Fiesta really puts Bristol on the map and we feel it's important to support an event which does so much for the city and the local community."

The 100 Club was first launched last year after a four year sponsorship deal with the Discovery Channel came to an end.

Businesses wanting more information about the Fiesta 100 Club should contact Ben Hardy on 0117 953 5884, or visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk.