Bristol Balloon Fiesta is 'confident' of sponsors

The event takes place between 12 and 15 August at Ashton Court estate

The organisers of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta say they are confident they will attract enough sponsors despite a slow take-up.

When the event lost its main sponsor in 2009 it sold deals to companies for £2,000 with one having the chance to become the festival's main sponsor.

A fiesta spokesman said 35 tickets had been sold with three weeks to go.

"We've got a lot of people we're talking to. We're hoping to give it a boost," said organiser Clive Bailey.

Last year nearly 50 companies backed the festival after organisers failed to attract a major sponsor.

The event takes place between 12 and 15 August at Ashton Court estate.