What is happening at this year's Balloon Fiesta?
BBCThe countdown is nearly over for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, with the gates set to open first thing on Friday morning.
The programme for the 48th edition was announced back in April, with the occasion marked by a dozen balloons being inflated at Ashton Court Estate, the festival's home.
Ben Hardy, executive director of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, said: "Bristol's passion for ballooning is as strong as ever, and we're hugely grateful."
Here is everything you need to know about this year's programme.
When and where is the Balloon Fiesta?
Free-to-attend, the fiesta will take place from Friday to Sunday.
In April, the event's organisers revealed they had signed an agreement with Bristol City Council, granting use of Ashton Court for the foreseeable future.
All hot air balloons taking part in the fiesta will be launched from the estate, and the night glows will also take place there.
But while the event's main base is at Ashton Court, there are a number of popular sites around the city which provide viewpoints for the mass ascents.
Do I need tickets for the Balloon Fiesta?
The event is free-to-attend, but organisers charge for car parking to help cover operational costs.
Visitors can also purchase hospitality packages.
When are the mass ascents?
While all events are weather dependant, there are six mass ascents planned across the weekend.
They are as follows:
- Friday 7 August - 06:00 BST
- Friday 7 August - 18:00
- Saturday 8 August - 06:00
- Saturday 8 August - 18:00
- Sunday 9 August - 06:00
- Sunday 9 August - 18:00
When are the night glows?
As well as the mass ascents - which have made the Fiesta famous across the city and beyond, crowds attending the festival can expect to see the return of familiar favourites in the event calendar.
These include the popular night glow events on Friday and Saturday evenings, in which dozens of balloons inflate at dusk and use their burners to glow in time to music produced by BBC Radio Bristol.
These are scheduled to take place at 21:00 on both Friday and Saturday. You will have to be on site at Ashton Court to take these in as the balloons are tethered to the ground throughout the display.
What else is on at Ashton Court?
The In the Clouds immersive experience will also return, allowing visitors to step inside a cold-inflated balloon and learn more about the history of ballooning in Bristol.
Live acoustic music will fill the Moon Stage throughout the Fiesta, showcasing local talent, while younger visitors can head to the Brizzle Kicks Stage for daily children's entertainment ranging from magic shows to foam parties.
There is also a range of other entertainment on site, including a funfair and food and drink options.
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