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Bristol's summer of 2024 in pictures

The sun may still be showing itself occasionally but we are now technically in meteorological autumn.

But before summer fades away in the memory, here is a selection of some amazing pictures taken in and around Bristol in the months since May.

Regular events like the Balloon Fiesta, Upfest, Bristol Sounds and first class cricket returned, but there were also new things to enjoy, such as the BBC Proms coming to Bristol Beacon.

Paul Box The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2024 site is seen from above. Thousands of people can be seen surrounding the main arena, where multiple balloons are inflated ready to take off. Stalls, other tents and vehicles can also be seen around the edge of the sitePaul Box

Up, up and away. Paul Box took this stunning image as his balloon rose above Ashton Court during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

Ashton Gate A huge fireworks display is visible over Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol at the end of a Take That concert. The photo is taken at night with the external parts of the stands also illuminated.Ashton Gate

The boys were back: This spectacular fireworks display brought the show to a close as Take That played at Ashton Gate over two nights in June.

Upfest A street artist on a stepladder paints a giant peacock mural on a wall in Bedminster as part of Upfest Presents 2024Upfest

Street art: Upfest returned in May in a different format, being spread across several weeks rather than crammed into one weekend. Street artist The Hass painted the above piece on a wall just off North Street.

Eljay Briss A young woman all in white dances between rows of musicians, also all in white, as part of the Paraorchestra event during the BBC Proms at Bristol BeaconEljay Briss

A first: The BBC Proms came to Bristol for the first time, with multiple performances over the August bank holiday weekend including an immersive one from the city's Paraorchestra.

The Wave A man on a surfboard rides a wave at The Wave in Bristol. The water is a blue-green colour with white foam, and he is wearing a white top and black shortsThe Wave

After dark: There was a new sight at The Wave, the man-made surfing lake to the north west of the city, as new night-time surf sessions took place under floodlights.

Nadine Ballantyne Rock band Skindred perform on stage at Bristol Sounds. The band and the audience are illuminated by floodlights which are casting an orange glow. The picture is taken from within the audience, looking up at the stageNadine Ballantyne

Waterfront music: Bristol Sounds had its biggest every year with multiple artists including Busted, Annie Mac, James Arthur and Placebo playing on the harbourside over the course of a week. This picture was taken from the thick of the crowd during the Skindred concert.

Nadine Ballantyne Three women in glittery jumpsuits smile at the camera as they wait for a concert to begin at Bristol Sounds 2024Nadine Ballantyne

Sparkling: These ticket holders had certainly made an effort for their night out at Bristol Sounds.

Bristol Beacon A group of civil rights activists face the camera during a ceremony to honour people who took part in the Bristol Bus Boycott. In the background the main Bristol Beacon auditorium is visibleBristol Beacon

Heroes: As part of a series of events in June, seats at Bristol Beacon were named after people who played key roles in the civil rights struggle in the city when the Bristol Bus Boycott saw many take a stand against racism.

Bristol Comedy Garden Thousands of people sit in the huge tent at Bristol Comedy Garden 2024. The image is a wide shot showing the entire tent plus the stage, which is illuminated by floodlightsBristol Comedy Garden

Laughter is the best medicine: Also in June, Bristol Comedy Garden saw thousands of people enjoy stand-up comedy under canvas in Queen Square.

Doug Lodge A brown bear rests its head on a pumpkin as it cools off in a small pond at Bristol Zoo Project. The bear is looking up at the camera and the pond water is light grey, with some tree roots visibleDoug Lodge

Cooling down: There were brief periods of intense heat in the summer and we all had to find ways to cool down, including this European brown bear, one of the residents at Bristol Zoo Project.

PA Media An aerial shot of the County Ground in Bristol during a T20 cricket match. Temporary stands full of spectators are visible, as are the high-rise flats that overlook the stadium. It is a sunny evening with the floodlights casting shadows across the pitch. The image is taken from a dronePA Media

Home sweet home: This PA Media photograph from a drone shows the County Ground in Bristol packed out on a summer night with a T20 match in full swing. News emerged in late 2023 that the county is considering a move away from its traditional home in the city. For now, cricket fans can still head up to Nevil Road to see top-class matches.

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