Countdown to Balloon Fiesta begins with sunrise ascent

A fleet of hot air balloons has ascended above the city to mark the official countdown to the 46th annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

Bristol’s iconic, free-to-attend event will return to Ashton Court Estate from 9 until 11 August, celebrating the city and its heritage links to hot air ballooning.

Around 20 hot air balloons took to the skies at around 06:30 BST, setting off from College Green and Queen Square, and heading north towards the M4 motorway.

After take-off, a couple of special shaped balloons will be tethered on College Green to greet morning commuters.

Around 20 hot air balloons filled the sky in two separate ascents

Morning commuters will be greeted with colourful hot air balloons

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has announced this year's line-up will include a range of "beloved classics" and "recent favourites".

This year, more than 120 hot air balloons were registered to attend, and weather permitting, they will turn the compact central arena into a rainbow of colour.

Wallace and Gromit, Action Man, Rupert the Bear, Daisy the Cow, and Thomas the Tank Engine are just some of the balloon characters expected to make an appearance at the three-day annual festival.

Neville the Cyclops a huge maroon monster-shaped balloon, has come over from America to feature at the fiesta

To celebrate the countdown, Reverend Neil Patterson, Bristol Cathedral's Vice Dean, and the Very Rev Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol, joined this morning's ascent for their first ever hot air balloon ride.

"It was a fantastic experience to float up from College Green and see the city spread out below," said Rev Patterson.

"Many thanks to Phil our pilot, especially as we searched the parks of northern Bristol for somewhere to land!"

Rev Neil Patterson and the Very Rev Dr Mandy Ford enjoyed a sunrise hot air balloon ride above the city

This year, the annual event will host the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships.

Approximately 15 balloon teams will compete twice daily, aiming to complete one of the competition tasks directly over the fiesta.

With a mix of aerial competitions, family activities, music, sports, and interactive exhibits, organisers said there was something for everyone.

Special shaped balloons will be tethered to College Green