Up, up, and away at Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2016: Photos of Europe's largest hot air ballooning event

The 2016 Bristol Balloon Fiesta is Europe's largest annual meeting of hot air balloons and their pilots from around the world. Now in it's 38th year, the four day event see's teams from the UK and other countries bring their hot air balloons to Ashton Court Estate where they will launch, with as many as 100 balloons at a time.

First held in 1979, the fiesta often has crowds of over 100,000 people on each of the four days of the festival. Mass launches are held twice a day one at 6am and another at 6pm. A "night glow" is held on the opening night, where some of the balloons are lined up and illuminated, followed by a firework display. There are also trade stands and fairground rides for visitors to enjoy.

Getty Images photographer Matt Cardy photographed some of the hot air balloons that will be taking part in the event during a press preview. The fiesta officially begins on 11 August.