Conditions couldn’t have been more perfect for the first mass ascent of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta this morning (Friday, August 12).
More than 60 brightly coloured balloons took off from the Ashton Court Estate around 6am before flying over the city.
People all over the city were delighted to see the balloons return after the festival had to be cancelled over the past two years due to the pandemic.
Yesterday’s mass ascent had to be cancelled due to unpredictable winds, though the Nightglow went ahead as planned.
5. Fireworks cancelled
The fireworks display after the Nightglow had to be cancelled due to dry conditions posing a fire hazard. BBQs have also been banned at the event. | Tom Wren SWNS
6. Biggest in Europe
Bristol Balloon Fiesta started as a small event in 1979 and has since risen to become Europe’s largest hot air balloon festival. | SWNS
7. Bristol favourite
The event has now been running for decades and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019. | SWNS
8. Big weekender
The festival runs until Sunday with more mass ascents planned each morning, along withthe Nightglows, stalls and rides. | Tom Wren SWNS