Where to watch the Bristol Balloon Fiesta

LOTS of people gathered for the first day of the International Balloon Fiesta in Bristol.

Over 100 hot air balloons took flight in all different designs, adding a vibrant landscape across the sky.

This is the 48th year the festival is taking place, one which originally started with a small group of air balloon enthusiasts it has grown over time into one of the most look forwarded too events in the calendar.

It is free to attend and is one of Europe's largest hot air balloon events.

The hot air balloon launches are continuing over the weekend on both Saturday and Sunday, at 6am and 6pm, weather permitted.

Aside from the launches on Saturday there will be interactive challenges and tethered balloons to live music. In the evening there will be a nightglow to a soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol.

On Sunday there will be daily mass balloon ascents and a full day of entertainment, including Meet the pilots, stunt displays, and live entertainment on the Brizzle Kicks and Moon Stages.

The launches are estimated to take place around 6am and 6pm, weather permitting, although timings can vary slightly from day to day.

For the morning launch, people typically arrive around 5am to secure a good viewing spot to capture the breathtaking sights of hot air balloons filling the sky.

The same applies in the evening (an hour before) however there is entertainment in the day at the main arena, so be sure to take this into account if you’re planning to stay for evening launch.

Why is the event so popular?

The event is so popular because it attracts a large audience with to its rare combination of tranquility and breathtaking landscape.

Although it’s an annual event, taking place once a year, its popularity continues to grow with some years seeing as many as 100,000 attendees per day.

For more information visit: bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk