Hot-air balloons take to Bristol skies ahead of fiesta

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is now in its 37th year

Dozens of hot-air balloons have taken to the skies over Bristol ahead of Europe's largest ballooning event.

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, now in its 37th year, takes place at Ashton Court with more than 500,000 visitors expected.

Organiser Clive Bailey said Bristol was "the world capital for ballooning" and hosted Europe's "biggest free event".

The four-day festival starts on 6 August, with more than 100 hot air balloons expected to take part.

The event was originally designed as a meeting for balloonists

The four-day festival starts on 6 August

More than 100 balloons are expected to take part in the fiesta

More than 500,000 people are expected to visit the event at Ashton Court