Weather Stops Mass Ascent At Bristol Balloon Fiesta

[Raistlin]

Unfavourable weather conditions have once again stopped a mass ascent of hot air balloons from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court.

Up to 100 had been due to lift off at 0600 BST but a combination of low cloud and winds prevented the ascent.

But thousands watched Saturday evening's night glow in which tethered balloons light up in time to music.

On Friday morning 81 balloons took off but flights on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening were cancelled.

'Red Arrows display'

Several hundred people watched a display of tethered balloons early on Sunday morning and arena events are planned all day.

Fiesta organisers said Sunday's weather is expected to improve for the Red Arrows aerobatic display at 1630 BST and the mass balloon ascent at 1800 BST.

The four-day event, which is in its 32nd year, is celebrating 50 years of modern ballooning.

Roads around the site are expected to be busy on Sunday afternoon and people attending are advised to travel by bus, cycle or on foot.

Two special bus services will run from the city centre to the site.

Travel details are on the Bristol City Council and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta websites.

The festival ends on Sunday evening.

[jw67]

None of those balloons looks like a Fiesta

[Raistlin]

But they do have ribs...