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Morning mass ascent follows first ever Friday night glow at Balloon Fiesta
Fifty-two balloons took off from Ashton Court on Saturday morning in the first mass ascent of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2024.
A cow and a spaceship floated away, while a jar of coffee, bottle of whisky and Thomas the Tank Engine remained tethered on the launch site.
Crowds gathered in the best viewing spots across Bristol to watch the balloons, which travelled towards Filton.
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Both mass ascents on Friday did not go ahead because of windy conditions but the Fiesta’s first ever Friday night glow did take place.
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A second night glow is due to take place at 9pm on Saturday with more mass ascents planned for 6pm on Saturday, and 6am and 6pm on Sunday – weather permitting of course.
Other highlights at Ashton Court will include Thatchers big apple racing, historic balloon displays and live music.
Lift off at Ashton Court – photo: Martin Booth
Spectators watch the balloons from Clifton Observatory – photo: Rob Browne
Thomas the Tank Engine, made in Bristol by Cameron Balloons in 1998, remained tethered to the ground – photo: Martin Booth
It’s behind you! – photo: Rob Browne
A hot air balloon with the message to ‘Find Jack’, reminding people of the search for Jack O’Sullivan who has not been seen since Jack O’Sullivan went missing following a night out in Hotwells on March 2 – photo: Martin Booth
Balloon-spotting on Saturday morning – photo: Rob Browne
Main photo: Rob Browne
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