Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2023: Second day in pictures

Hot air balloons took to the skies for the second time on Friday as the International Balloon Fiesta got under way in Bristol.

Onlookers watched from afar as more than 50 balloons went on their evening mass ascent from Ashton Court.

The second mass ascent on Friday was due to take place at 18:00 BST but was delayed due to weather conditions.

The balloons eventually took off at 19:30 and floated eastwards over the city towards Wick.

Earlier, hundreds of fans were awake to see the first mass ascent shortly after 06:45, which travelled north-east over the city centre towards Filton and Winterbourne.

Crowds gathered at Perrett Park to watch Friday evening's mass ascent

Friday evening's mass ascent was delayed due to weather conditions but went ahead at about 19:30 BST

The balloons could be seen across the city on Friday evening

Hundreds watched as the balloons floated over the city

The balloons floated towards Wick on Friday evening

Despite balloons being unable to take to the skies on Thursday evening, festival-goers were still treated to a night glow.

Depending on weather conditions there are more mass ascents planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday - morning and evening.

Organisers told the city to "keep their eyes to the skies".

More than 50 balloons are floating over the city today

Passengers waved from a hot air balloon as it soared through the sky on Friday morning

There are more mass ascents to come over the weekend

Many pilots were eager to fly after Thursday night's ascent was cancelled

Organisers said that conditions on Friday morning were suitable for flight

Pilots and their teams set up their balloons as the sun rose

Festival organisers told the city to "keep their eyes to the skies"

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