DOZENS of hot air balloons balloons took to the skies above Bristol earlier today.
The balloons were launched this morning, Monday, August 7, by teams preparing for this year's Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
Images show the balloons soaring above iconic sites in the city including the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The event is due to start on Thursday, August 10 at 12pm, and will last until Sunday, August 13.
The fiesta began in 1979 when a group of like-minded balloonists came together at Bristol's Ashton Court to launch 27 balloons to dazzle spectators.
Now, more than 100 balloons take part annually - witnessed by 500,000 followers over the four days.
Today's launch is the second 'test run' in preparation for the big launch later this week.
All pictures by Steve Chatterley, SWNS.
Expect delays say National Highways
Meanwhile, a travel warning has been issued by National Highways reminding drivers that the surrounding roads will get “very busy” including the M5 at junctions 19 and 21 and the M32.
Kathryn Wiltshire, National Highways’ network planning officer for the South West, said: “We’re reminding road users to plan ahead during the Balloon Fiesta – roads leading to the event are likely to be very busy.
“Our aim is to keep the National Highways network running while keeping fiesta goers and other road users safe and informed.
“We advise people to check our traffic and travel information channels, set off early and allow plenty of time.”
Expected delays according to National Highways
- The M5 at junction 19 could be particularly busy during the event as southbound traffic will use the junction to access the A369 and the event site.
- The M5 at junction 21 will also see increased traffic as northbound traffic uses the A370 to travel to the Fiesta, and traffic will also use the M32 to travel through Bristol to the event.
- There are night glows, following the earlier mass ascents, on the Thursday and Saturday nights, starting at 9pm and finishing at 10pm. On Friday and Sunday gates will close at 8.30pm.
- The Clifton Suspension Bridge will be closed between 6pm and midnight on the Thursday and Saturday nights.
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