Rain brings busy time for brigade

A mass balloon ascent from Ashton Court was cancelled due to rain

Avon Fire Brigade was called to numerous flooded homes and businesses in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare after a downpour on Thursday.

Bristol's British Empire and Commonwealth Museum was hit by flooding after the lunchtime deluge.

A spokesman for the museum said it was likely to stay closed on Friday to dry out but added it may be open again for the weekend.

"The museum... is going to take a little time to dry out," he said.

None of the exhibits were lost or affected by the water.

Balloon Fiesta

Almost 20-flood-related calls were made from Weston between 1200 and 1340 BST and more than 30 calls came from all parts of Bristol between 1300 and 1415 BST.

Thousands of people who had gathered for a free pop concert at Bristol's Balloon Fiesta were soaked while waiting for acts like Jamilia and Girls Aloud.

Thursday evening's mass balloon ascent had to be cancelled due to the unsettled weather conditions, the fiesta's flight director Clive Bailey told the BBC.

The event's popular night glow was due to go ahead at 2130 BST.