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Bristol Balloon Fiesta: Hot air balloons inflated for launch

PA Media Hot air balloons inflate and tether from Bristol Harbourside as the countdown begins to the 2023 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court Estate in August.PA Media
Balloons were inflated at Bristol's harbourside to mark the launch of the iconic fiesta

Hot air balloons have been inflated in Bristol city centre to mark the launch of the city's balloon festival.

The iconic Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will return to Ashton Court Estate from 10 August to 13 August.

Up to 100 balloons will be expected to take flight during the 45th edition of the free festival.

A family fun day will take place on the Friday of the fiesta.

BBC Nine colourful hot air balloons are inflated on the ground in front of the waterBBC
Unfortunately the balloons were unable to fly due to a lack of wind
BBC Hot air balloons being inflated at Bristol's harbourside, including a black and red balloonBBC
The fiesta will return to Ashton Court Estate in August

Nine balloons were inflated earlier at the Lloyds amphitheatre on Bristol's harbourside to mark the event's launch.

The festival's mass ascent usually takes place on the Friday morning of the event, but this year there will be a 18:00 BST ascent on the Thursday, which will be followed by a nightglow.

PA Media Hot air balloons inflate and tether from Bristol HarboursidePA Media
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of the highlights of the city's summer events calendar
PA Media Hot air balloons inflate and tether from Bristol HarboursidePA Media
Fiesta attendees will have the opportunity to step inside an inflated balloon during the festival in August

An unplanned Thursday mass ascent took place in 2019 due to bad weather.

PA Media Hot air balloons inflate and tether from Bristol HarboursidePA Media
The teams were on site setting up early
BBC Flight staff inflating a black and red hot air balloonBBC
This year's festival will include a Thursday evening ascent

More than 500,000 people are expected to attend the event this year.

There will be on the ground entertainment at a bandstand which will be programmed by Bristol-based record label Jelli Records.

BBC A blue and white hot air balloon being inflated at Bristol's harboursideBBC
Fiesta attendees will have the opportunity to step inside an inflated balloon

Flight teams will be in the main arena to greet visitors, who will have the opportunity to step inside an inflated balloon.

Nine balloons were inflated at the Lloyds amphitheatre on Bristol's harbourside to mark the event's launch.

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