Community launch begins Bristol Balloon Fiesta week
Several balloons took off from Ashton Court this morning
Around a dozen hot air balloons took to the skies over Bristol this morning to officially begin Fiesta week in the city.
Bristol's iconic International Balloon Fiesta is scheduled for Friday 9th-11th August this week.
This morning the balloons took off from Ashton Court taking with them 11 "community heroes", nominated by their friends and family as people worthy of recognition.
They included Andrew Phelps, a former police officer who was seriously injured in the line of duty more than two decades ago, Jeff Knight, who is a well known seller of the Big Issue magazine in Bristol and Jonathon Parsons, who works as a teacher in Bedminster but also volunteers for several charities including The Terence Higgins Trust.
Speaking to us before take off Jonathon said: " I didn't know I was nominated until I got a call from my mum who was like, 'oh by the way this has happened, are you going to be free?'
"I was like, 'what?' I was just really surprised, a little bit scared and then I was just like, oh this is amazing."
As is often the case with people new to hot air ballooning, Jonathon said it would test his fear of heights.
"I'm actually petrified of heights," he said.
"But I'm a teacher in my full time job so I've kind of always said to the kids, face your fears head on and go and grab everything with both hands.
"So I'm kind of doing this to be like, I might be frightened but it's going to be an amazing experience."
Once the Balloon Fiesta begins on Friday mass ascents are planned twice each day, morning and evening, potentially featuring several dozen balloons at a time.
For the first time this year, the event is also hosting the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships, which will see several balloon teams take off from other sites around the city and then aim to complete various tasks in the air above the Fiesta ground.
The first flight as part of the Championships is due to take place this evening (6th August), with the event never having been held in Bristol before.
Ben Hardy, executive director, Balloon International Balloon Fiesta commented: “We’re of course delighted to welcome the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships to the Fiesta and to the world capital of hot air ballooning, Bristol.
“The Fiesta is a celebration of the city’s rich balloon history and the love so many have for the sport. To provide the opportunity to show some of the most exciting and captivating action ballooning has to offer is an incredible addition to the programme.
“Alongside our new community launches, Fiesta Week promises to be an awe-inspiring occasion for everyone in the city to enjoy.”
You can find out much more about the Fiesta on the event website here.