Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2004

1 of 11 More than 100 balloons take part in mass ascents each day from the fiesta site.

2 of 11 Specially-shaped balloons are one of the event's main attractions.

3 of 11 The Van Gogh balloon is a new face at the 2004 fiesta.

4 of 11 The Churchill dog is also making its debut.

5 of 11 This Virgin balloon came out of retirement to take part.

6 of 11 Mr Beaver has been remodelled - he used to be Mr Potatohead!

7 of 11 It takes about half an hour to inflate a balloon ready for flight.

8 of 11 Balloons take part in two "night glows" on Thursday and Saturday evenings.

9 of 11 A firework display rounds off the "night glow" spectacle.

10 of 11 Top bands like the Sugababes entertained crowds on the fiesta's first afternoon.

11 of 11 Pilots take it in turns to lift off from the launch site at Ashton Court.