Hot air balloons take to city skies to launch annual fiesta

Eighteen balloons set off early on Wednesday morning.

Published Jul 24

Last updated Jul 24

A fleet of colourful hot air balloons took off from the centre of Bristol to mark the countdown to the city’s annual fiesta.

Eighteen balloons launched from College Green, taking in views of Bristol Cathedral, City Hall and the historic harbour early on Wednesday morning.

The 46th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which is free to attend, will return to Ashton Court Estate in the city from August 9 to 11.

A hot air balloon takes to the sky over Bristol Harbour (Ben Birchall/PA)

Mass ascents, in partnership with The Eco Scheme, are scheduled at dawn and just before dusk throughout the festival, if weather conditions allow.

Hot air balloon pilots carry out checks before each flight (Ben Birchall/PA)

There will be specially shaped balloons including Rupert the Bear, Thomas the Tank Engine, Action Man, Pipy the Scottish Piper, Buster and Bella the Bulldogs, Astro the Alien, and Wallace & Gromit’s Moon Rocket.

This year’s event will also host the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships, which will see 15 balloon teams compete twice a day.