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In pictures: Strathaven Balloon Festival brightens skies

This vibrant image of three balloons waiting to launch at the festival was taken by Michael Kent, who said it was his "first time seeing these awesome hot air balloons".

Michael Kent Strathaven Balloon Festival — This vibrant image of three balloons waiting to launch at the festival was taken by Michael Kent, who said it was his "first time seeing these awesome hot air balloons".

Thousands of people have been treated to the sight of hot air balloons drifting across South Lanarkshire.

People have been gathering at Strathaven Park for the town's annual ballooning festival.

Strathaven Balloon Festival is the only one of its kind in Scotland.

Flights on Friday evening were called off after "unprecedented rain" earlier in the day made landing sites unusable, but perfect weather on Saturday saw launches begin at 06:30.

The free festival, which finishes on Sunday, includes skydiving, live music, a funfair and an "evening glow" display of lit balloons as the sun sets.

Photographer Brian Closs was there for 06:30 to watch the balloon launch. "Well worth the early rise," he said.

Brian Closs Photography Balloon launch — Photographer Brian Closs was there for 06:30 to watch the balloon launch. "Well worth the early rise," he said.

Tom Barbour took this image of the hot air balloons rising over the streets of Strathaven from the vantage point of the war memorial.

Tom Barbour Strathaven — Tom Barbour took this image of the hot air balloons rising over the streets of Strathaven from the vantage point of the war memorial.

Brian Closs captured this silhouette of a hopper balloon, which carries just one pilot on a seat instead of a traditional basket.

Brian Closs Balloon launch — Brian Closs captured this silhouette of a hopper balloon, which carries just one pilot on a seat instead of a traditional basket.

Kate Mitchell took this photo of some early risers out in their pyjamas to watch the balloons.

Kate Mitchell Kate Mitchell took this photo of some early risers out in their pyjamas to watch the balloons. — Kate Mitchell took this photo of some early risers out in their pyjamas to watch the balloons.

Kate Mitchell Balloon

Gary Thomson was treated to this view of the hot air balloons from his back door.

Gary Thomson Strathaven Balloon Festival — Gary Thomson was treated to this view of the hot air balloons from his back door.

Marc Light got this glimpse of a balloon drifting behind some light cloud when he set out "on the way to get the messages".

Marc Light Strathaven Balloon Festival — Marc Light got this glimpse of a balloon drifting behind some light cloud when he set out "on the way to get the messages".

All images are copyrighted.

Hot air ballooning