GAZETTE photographer Steve Richards took to the skies on Sunday for the spectacular climax of the Discovery Channel International Balloon Fiesta.
Following the disappointment of bad weather scuppering flights on Saturday and Sunday morning, crowds flocked to Ashton Court, Bristol, to see dozens of balloons taking part in the mass ascent which marked the grand finale of this year's event.
Steve went up in the Bass balloon, which flew to 1000ft so Matt Salter, captain of Bristol Rugby Club, could be poured the highest pint of beer by his girlfriends Charlie Collins.
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