Up, up and away - in pictures

1 of 10 It is an early start for would-be balloonists at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

2 of 10 But despite the time, there are plenty of spectators ready to watch the action

3 of 10 There are balloons of all colours and types at the Fiesta

4 of 10 Pilot Lenny Vaughan clowns around while waiting to take off

5 of 10 Some of the cast of Casualty take a closer look

6 of 10 BBC News Online reporter Bryony Jones hops aboard one of the balloons

7 of 10 The burner fires up...

8 of 10 ...and it is time to take off - even if we aren't going far

9 of 10 With so many balloons grounded, the view is a little crowded

10 of 10 Some balloonists, like the man in this 'cloudhopper' one man balloon, are braver - or more foolhardy - than others