Hot air balloon festival wows Isle of Wight crowds

One balloonist gets ready to fly away

Hot air balloons have wowed visitors to a sold-out festival on the Isle of Wight.

The balloons took off from Robin Hill Country Park near Newport as part of a three-day event which closes on Monday.

Pictures show spectators and residents waving balloons off as they soared into the sky.

Along with the balloons, fireworks displays and live music have been performed at part of this year's festival.

More than 4,000 visitors a day were expected at the festival

The festival has been organised by the country park and specialists Exclusive Ballooning

Tethered balloons light their burners during nightglow and firework displays

One of the balloons preparing to take off

Balloonists and spectators waving to each other as a balloon flies up into the sky

Another balloonist inspects the inside of one of the hot air balloons

The balloons come in all shapes

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