THE UK’s biggest hot air balloon fiesta has kicked off for its 48th year, with over 100 balloons set to descend on a major city.
Hosted over three days, this free festival celebrates the city’s heritage, with stunning displays throughout the day and night.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has kicked off with perfect blue skies, attracting approximately 500,000 people over the course of the weekend.
Beginning today, and continuing until Sunday (August 9) evening, there is a jam-packed programme of mass balloon ascents, balloon-themed displays, and food and drink.
The international festival takes place on the hills of Ashton Court Estate, a 850-acre historic park on the outskirts of Bristol city centre.
When the festival first opened in 1979, only 27 balloons took part — but now, visitors can expect to see four times that number, with balloons shaped like aliens, dragons, pandas, and more.
The highlight of the experience is set to be the mass ascents, where over 100 hot air balloons take to the skies at dawn (around 6am) and dusk (around 6pm).
Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful lights of the hot air balloons at the evening Nightglows, where up to 25 hot air balloons set up in the main arena, before lighting up to a background of regional music.
Included in the entertainment is a thrilling display by the RAF Falcons, model planes, and the historic ballooning arena, as well as a deluxe Thatchers cider Balloon Bar.
These incredible scenes across Bristol can be enjoyed at Ashton Court Estate with a completely free admission ticket.
However, for those wanting a VIP experience, tickets to the Sky Lounge, which has a tented arena to view the mass ascents, costs £20 for children and £25 for adults.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will run from today until Sunday, August 9, with timetabled events scheduled between 6am and 9pm today and tomorrow, and until 6.15pm on Sunday.