Summary

Live Reporting

  1. All action in the arena

    If you've never been up close to the main arena during a mass launch, rest assured there is a LOT going on.

    This photograph from BBC West's Dom Hewitt captures the action very well.

    People push hard on a hot air balloon basket as it is inflated ready to take off from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta

  2. 'This is my favourite weekend of the year'

    Matty Edwards
    Live page reporter

    BBC Radio Bristol's Joe Sims chatted earlier to the fiesta's chief executive Ben Hardy who said balloon pilots had come from as far afield as Belgium, Germany and even Mexico.

    More than 100 balloons are launching over the weekend.

  3. Watch: Heading for the skies

    We've captured the Tattinger balloon taking off as the second mass ascent got under way.

    Balloon takes off during fiesta mass ascent

  4. Plenty more balloons taking off

    Chloe Harcombe
    Live page reporter at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

    Three balloons in the sky

    I’m standing in the middle of the arena as the balloons inflate and take off. There’s people everywhere working on the balloons and getting passengers ready in the baskets for take-off.

    A multi-coloured balloon is being prepared by a man

    I can feel the heat of the burners and hear the excitement of the balloonists and crowds alike as the second mass ascent of the fiesta gets under way.Loads of balloons are already up in the sky heading over towards Bristol city centre - make sure you look up!

    One balloon in flight behind two being prepared

  5. Ready and waiting in Knowle...

    There are many favourite spots for Bristolians to watch the balloons come over if they have not made it to Ashton Court.

    This is the scene right now in Perrett Park in Knowle, where hundreds of people have gathered with picnics hoping the balloons will come their way.

    A large crowd of people gathered in a park on a sunny evening. The ground is light brown after weeks of heat and little rainBronwen Lester
    A view taken from behind of crowds in the sunshine watching hot air balloons which are on the horizonBronwen Lester

  6. Balloons heading east towards Bristol

    Chloe Harcombe
    Live page reporter at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

    Two balloons are in the air while two others are being prepared on the ground.

    Several balloons are up already and heading in the direction of the city centre. Other balloonists are hard at work getting theirs inflated. Pretty soon the sky will feature a variety of balloons for the thousands of people gathered at vantage points in Bristol to enjoy.

    Balloons are preparing to launch with others visible in the sky in the distance

  7. Watch Points West live at the fiesta

    Tonight's Points West early evening news is coming to you live from Ashton Court. You can watch at the top of this page right now.

  8. Get your phones ready

    If you're lucky enough to have the balloons fly over where you are this evening, do send us your pictures.

    You can do that using the form on the left-hand side of this page.

  9. Are the balloons heading your way?

    Chloe Harcombe
    Live page reporter at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

    Everybody has waited patiently and now the first balloon has taken flight, greeted by a crowd of thousands.

    If you’re planning to watch elsewhere in the city, the balloons are heading east towards the harbourside.

    From there they are expected to fly over Bedminster, Knowle and Brislington.

    A black hot air balloon takes flight with two others still on the ground.

  10. Mass ascent WILL go ahead

    Chloe Harcombe
    Live page reporter at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

    Green smoke above a crowd of people

    This evening's mass ascent is going ahead as planned.

    The balloons WILL start taking off shortly. Get ready!

  11. More balloons being set up

    Chloe Harcombe
    Live page reporter at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

    Two hot air balloons are being set up in front of a crowd

    More balloons are being set up in the main arena but we are still waiting for the official word that the mass ascent will go ahead.

    We'll bring you an update as soon as we have it.

  12. Mass ascent waiting for go-ahead

    Chloe Harcombe
    Live page reporter at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

    Cars and balloon baskets as people prepare for the mass ascent, with the crowds in the background

    It’s almost 18:00, which means the mass ascent will begin soon - weather permitting of course.

    The balloonists are now getting ready in the main arena in anticipation of the official go-ahead.

    Stick with us - we’ll bring you all the latest as the action unfolds.

  13. Horses and hounds watch the balloons

    It's not just humans who enjoyed seeing balloons over Bristol this morning - these pictures prove the spectacle is for everyone across the city.

    A bulldog looks out of a window towards dozens of balloons in the sky.Becca
    A brown and white horse stares on as balloons rise in the background over trees.
    A dog watches balloons next to a quiet road.Tim

  14. Parachute team thrill the crowd

    Chloe Harcombe
    Live page reporter at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

    Pink smoke in the sky with blue, red and white parachutes

    It's not just balloons of course - the crowds in the arena have just been entertained by the RAF Falcons parachute display team.

    They trailed red smoke behind them after jumping and gliding down towards Ashton Court.

    The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as the six parachutists landed safely.

    A parachuter is about to land in front of a large crowd

  15. Atmosphere building at Ashton Court

    Chloe Harcombe
    Live page reporter at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta

    This is the scene right now down at Ashton Court where it's getting busy ahead of tonight's mass ascent and nightglow. Thousands of people are basking in the sun and soaking up the atmosphere.

    Crows at Ashton Court with people sitting in deck chairs in front on a bus and helter skelter
    A merry-go-round with tents and queues of people

  16. How to get to the Balloon Fiesta

    A Thatchers balloon flying in front of the Clifton Suspension BridgePA Media

    Do check our travel guide if you're considering going to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta over this weekend.

    The event is free, and is being held at Ashton Court for its 48th year.

    The weather is set to be warm and sunny so large crowds are expected and it is important to know which entrance gate to use.

  17. Send us your pictures!

    Matty Edwards
    Live page reporter

    As this evening's mass ascent approaches, here's a reminder that you can share your brilliant photos with us. You can submit them using the form on the left hand side of the page. Here are some more great snaps from this morning taken from across the city.

    Boats and coloured houses in Bristol Harbour with balloons above in the sky.Sarah Penney
    People sat on a cafe terrace looking at balloons flying in the skyKris Avery
    Silhouettes of balloons and the sun in the sky above a church and farmlandRichard Brown
    A yellow scarecrow balloon is flying above a reddish brown industrial buildingSarah Penney

  18. What does the weather hold?

    Eyes are always on the skies at the fiesta - and not just to see the balloons.

    Many a previous mass ascent has been ruined by high winds, and even excessive heat.

    Read what BBC West weather forecaster Ian Fergusson had to say about the weather prospects for the rest of the weekend.

  19. See what makes night glow a big part of Balloon Fiesta weekend

    The night glows are one of the highlights of the Balloon Fiesta weekend.

    If you've never seen one before, they involve balloons lighting up to the sound of music, creating a stunning sight inside the arena at Ashton Court.

    It's fair to say it's a spectacular view.

    Here's how it went off in 2025, with some amazing drone views mixed in.

  20. What's coming up for the rest of the day?

    Matty Edwards
    Live page reporter

    From beneath an airborne hot air balloon which is yellow, red and orange

    After balloons first took off early this morning to get the fiesta under way, here's what you expect for the rest of the day.

    Just after 17:00 BST, the RAF Falcons parachute display team will be landing in the arena.

    At 18:00 there will be the second mass ascent of the weekend, if conditions allow. We will let you know when this gets given the go-ahead.

    Then just after sunset at 21:00 Ashton Court will be lit up by the first of two nightglows.