Bristol Balloon Fiesta to host major ballooning event

The fiesta attracts huge crowds to Ashton Court every summer

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will host a major ballooning event this year.

The British National Hot Air Balloon Championships, which have been running since the 1970s, will be hosted by the fiesta in August.

It will be the first time the competition has taken place in Bristol

British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) chairman Stephanie Hemmings said the organisation is "very excited" that the event is making its debut in the city.

As part of the championships, about 15 teams of balloonists will take flight twice a day.

They will be tasked with challenges such as dropping markers and performing turns.

While the main Fiesta will take place over three days from 9 to 11 August, the British Championships will run from 6 to 11 August.

The event will be an addition to the Fiesta's new "Fiesta Week" community launch programme, which is aimed at offering more residents than ever the chance to see balloons in flight, weather permitting.

Stephanie Hemmings added: "It will be a new challenge to fly over the city and will undoubtedly show the high levels of skill from teams both from the UK and across the world.

"We can't wait to kick things off in August."

Teams across the world will compete in the competition, with the British winner picked to fly for Team GB Ballooning and compete in the World Championships.