The skies above Bristol are painted with vibrant hues as the much-awaited annual event, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, kicked off yesterday and although the evening ascent was held off, this morning saw balloons take flight. Hot air balloon teams have converged upon the picturesque landscape, turning it into a kaleidoscope of colours and an enchanting spectacle for both locals and tourists alike. As the fiesta enters its second day, let's take a closer look at the highlights of this year's event that promises to be a memorable four-day extravaganza.

A Majestic Dawn Ascent - A Spectacle to Remember
The second day of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta saw hundreds of enthusiastic fans gather at the Ashton Court as the sun began to rise. At 6:45 am BST, more than 50 majestic balloons took to the skies in a breathtaking mass ascent. The balloons gently floated over Bristol, heading northeast towards the city centre and beyond, painting the early morning sky with a myriad of colours.

A Glimpse of Day Two
As the fiesta enters its second day, Friday, August 11th, attendees have a lot to look forward to. For those who missed the awe-inspiring morning ascent, a second chance awaits between 6-7 pm today. However, that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the excitement that the Bristol Balloon Fiesta has in store.

Special Shapes and Miniature Marvels
One of the most captivating aspects of the fiesta is the showcase of special-shaped balloons and intricate miniature models. While some balloons may no longer take to the skies, they remain tethered in the arena, offering visitors a chance to witness the artistry and creativity that goes into ballooning. Additionally, model balloon enthusiasts have a treat in store as they showcase their scale models of hot air balloons. With 26 model balloons entered in the Fiesta, attendees can witness these small wonders take flight at the end of the arena, near the Sky Lounge.

Up Close and Personal with the Balloon Teams
Ever wondered what it's like to be in a hot air balloon? The Bristol Balloon Fiesta offers visitors a unique opportunity to step inside a balloon envelope, explore the basket, and even try their hand at operating a balloon burner. As some balloons remain grounded, attendees can experience the fascinating world of ballooning up close, surrounded by the vibrant colours of the balloons.

Thrilling Air Displays and Competitions
The excitement continues with thrilling air displays and competitions that promise to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The Lightning Bolts Army Parachute Display Team REME showcases their daring feats as they jump from planes and even hot air balloons. These skilled daredevils, representing various cap badges and roles in the Army, aim to hit the marker target as they descend into the arena, leaving spectators in awe.

Additionally, the Inflation Race adds a competitive edge to the festivities. Balloon teams race against each other to rig and inflate their balloons. The team that successfully stands up their balloon first emerges victorious. This race serves as the first heat of the competition, with the final showdown scheduled for Sunday.

A Glimmering Night: The Famous Glow Event
Saturday, August 12th, promises to be a dazzling spectacle as the famous glow event returns to captivate attendees. Starting at 8 pm, spectators can witness a miniature model version of the renowned glow event. As the night deepens, at 9 pm, up to 25 balloons will tether and illuminate the night sky in perfect harmony with a captivating soundtrack. The balloons will dance to the rhythm of your favourite tracks, presented by BBC Radio Bristol, complete with a special Bristol flavour.

A Grand Finale on Sunday
As the fiesta's fourth and final day arrives, Sunday, August 13th, attendees and families have yet another opportunity to immerse themselves in the thrilling world of ballooning. With events similar to Friday, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta ensures that no one misses out on the action-packed extravaganza that has captured the hearts of both young and old.

A Day Filled with Entertainment for All
Throughout the entirety of the fiesta, attendees can indulge in a variety of entertainment options catering to all age groups. The Brizzle Kicks area offers engaging children's entertainment, the bandstand comes alive with live music, and the arena hosts an array of ballooning activities that unfold throughout the day.

The Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2023 truly stands as a testament to the magic of flight, the creativity of balloon design, and the camaraderie of balloon enthusiasts from around the globe. With each day offering a unique blend of captivating events, thrilling displays, and a dash of nighttime enchantment, attendees are in for an unforgettable experience that will leave them yearning for next year's edition. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a family seeking entertainment, or simply a curious soul eager to witness the skies come alive, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta is the place to be this August.