Some 156 multicoloured baubles lifted off from Ashton Court at 6am during the spectacular mass ascent.
The fine weather is expected to draw crowds of visitors over the weekend for Europe's biggest hot air balloon event.
GettyGettyGettyGettyGettyReutersGettyReutersReutersReutersReutersBalloonists fire their burners during the "Night Glow" event at the Bristol International Balloon FiestaReutersGettyGetty Images photographer Oli Scarff travelled in a hot air balloon and captured a train passing a flock of sheep...Oli Scarff/Getty Images...and a tree surrounded by cropsOli Scarff/Getty Images
