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Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2023: Second day in pictures

Step into the night glow of the balloon fiesta

Hot air balloons took to the skies for the second time on Friday as the International Balloon Fiesta got under way in Bristol.

Onlookers watched from afar as more than 50 balloons went on their evening mass ascent from Ashton Court.

The second mass ascent on Friday was due to take place at 18:00 BST but was delayed due to weather conditions.

The balloons eventually took off at 19:30 and floated eastwards over the city towards Wick.

Earlier, hundreds of fans were awake to see the first mass ascent shortly after 06:45, which travelled north-east over the city centre towards Filton and Winterbourne.

BBC Crowds gathering at Perrett ParkBBC
Crowds gathered at Perrett Park to watch Friday evening's mass ascent
Dominic Hewitt Balloons taking offDominic Hewitt
Friday evening's mass ascent was delayed due to weather conditions but went ahead at about 19:30 BST
BBC Balloons in the sky above Bristol city centreBBC
The balloons could be seen across the city on Friday evening
BBC Crowds gathering at Perrett ParkBBC
Hundreds watched as the balloons floated over the city
Dominic Hewitt Balloons taking offDominic Hewitt
The balloons floated towards Wick on Friday evening

Despite balloons being unable to take to the skies on Thursday evening, festival-goers were still treated to a night glow.

Depending on weather conditions there are more mass ascents planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday - morning and evening.

Organisers told the city to "keep their eyes to the skies".

BBC Balloons over a Bristol riverBBC
More than 50 balloons are floating over the city today
Toby Melville Around 18 passengers waving from the large rectangular basket of red balloonToby Melville
Passengers waved from a hot air balloon as it soared through the sky on Friday morning
BBC Hot-air balloonsBBC
There are more mass ascents to come over the weekend
BBC Hot air balloons filling on the ground, one orange, another green and blackBBC
Many pilots were eager to fly after Thursday night's ascent was cancelled
BBC Hot-air balloons on the groundBBC
Organisers said that conditions on Friday morning were suitable for flight
BBC Balloon team wearing gloves, holding ropesBBC
Pilots and their teams set up their balloons as the sun rose
BBC Dozens of balloons over Bristol, foreground and in distanceBBC
Festival organisers told the city to "keep their eyes to the skies"
BBC Presentational grey line

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