BRISTOL’S International Balloon Fiesta takes off at Ashton Court in two days time.

Over 130 hot air balloons will take to the skies during the four-day festival, from Thursday to Sunday (August 6-9) as half a million people are expected to watch the spectacular mass ascents over Bristol’s skyline.

As well as take offs at dawn and dusk each day, the ever popular night glows where balloons are lit up in time to music will return on Thursday and Saturday night followed by spectacular fireworks displays. Special shaped balloons will lift off in the arena on Friday and Sunday evenings.

This year’s fiesta will also see the maiden voyage of the world’s first solar-powered hybrid hot air balloon, developed by Cameron Balloons. The launch, on Friday morning at 6am, will mark Bristol’s status as the UK’s first European Green Capital this year.

Chairman of the organising committee Jane Oakland said: "We are very excited about this year's fiesta, it is going to be the biggest and the best yet.

"This is Bristol's largest event and we are proud that we could maintain free entry.

"The fiesta is family friendly and we want to make sure it is open and available for everyone."

There will be entertainment during the day including aerial displays and the RAF Falcons military parachute display team, a Battle of Britain Spitfire and Hurricane fly past, and Breitling wingwalkers.

The fiesta also includes fairground rides, food stalls and bars, balloon tethering, model aircraft displays, shopping stalls and a local music stage.

For more information about the fiesta including car parking and timings search Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook or visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk