More than 100 hot air balloons took to the skies over Bristol as dawn broke on Friday 7 August for the start of the 37th International Balloon Fiesta. This year's festival sees the maiden flight of the world's first solar-hybrid balloon, powered partly by the sun and partly by a conventional gas burner.
The festival runs from Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August, with a mass ascent twice a day, at 6am and 6pm. As night falls on Saturday, more than 30 balloon teams will light up the sky, synchronising their burners to music. The night glow will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Go to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta website for more details.
