Over 130 hot air balloons will take to the sky this weekend for Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2019
The Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2019 has begun, with hundreds of hot air balloons taking to the sky over Bristol on day one of the four-day festival (Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th August).
Some of the standout balloons to already appear at this year's Fiesta include a giant Darth Vader, a koala bear and a ginormous teddy bear.
When is the Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2019?
The 2019 event will take place across four days, from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th August, at Ashton Court Estate in Bristol. It's worth noting that while the event itself is free, there will be parking charges upon arrival (you can book your parking tickets online here).
On Saturday 10th August, there will also be a firework display, plus the chance to take a look at the model hot air balloon entries.
Every year, there is always question over whether or not the hot air balloons will be able to make their mass ascents because of the weather. The Met Office's official forecast for Bristol from Saturday to Monday reads: "Heavy, thundery showers on Saturday with coastal and local inland gales. Less windy and turning fresher through Sunday and Monday with sunshine and scattered showers."
Hopefully the weather will allow for a brilliant Balloon Fiesta over the weekend, but some will already have been lucky enough to see an additional mass ascent that took place at 6am on Thursday 8th, to celebrate the arrival of the unique Darth Vadar balloon.
What is the Bristol Balloon Fiesta?
With the first events taking place in 1972, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta has been going for 47 years. The Bristol Fiesta is Europe's largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, with over 130 different types expected to make an appearance every year. Held at Ashton Court Estate in Bristol, the free event draws in a crowd of families and hot air balloon enthusiasts from across the world.
As well as breathtaking scenes of hot balloons in the sky, the event will also offer guests the chance to explore trade stands, fairground rides, delicious food stalls and plenty of entertainment.
During the day, hundreds of hot air balloons will be sent into the sky for spectators to enjoy. For those still around in the evening, 25 hand-picked balloons will be sent up as the sun sets over Bristol.
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