Balloon fiesta marks 25 years

By Dickon Hooper
BBC News Online, Bristol

Not 99 red balloons - but 25, multi-coloured and bizarre hot air balloons - took to the Bristol skies on Monday for a sneak preview of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

It takes considerable skill to pilot the more unusual balloons

The balloons took off from Queen Square in the heart of the city, marking the beginning of the build up to the festival, now in its 25th year.

It all started in a pub in 1979, with just several thousand spectators and 27 balloons.

The founding principle decided over a beer - that the event should be free to the public - still holds true today.

From Thursday onwards, up to 500,000 people from across the world are expected: professional balloonists and spectators alike.

A spokesperson for the balloon fiesta told the BBC: "This year is extra special, because it is the 25th.

"Its the first time we have lifted off from Queens Square, and with perfect weather like this, it is going to be a fantastic anniversary."

A taste of things to come

Special to this year's fiesta is a flying orchestra designed to gently wake up sleeping Bristolians, and a record-breaking attempt to launch 25 balloons together.

Mass launches of more than 100 balloons are also planned, as are firework displays and the legendary night glow - when the burners light up the night sky like light bulbs.

The fiesta is the major event on the Bristol summer calendar.

Pilot Ian Ashpole added: "This is as good as it gets: stunning views of Bristol."

If the weather holds, expect this year to surpass all others.

The whole event is being streamed by BBCi Bristol, for those who cannot make it