Bristol International Balloon Fiesta reveals 2024 special shapes
Thomas the Tank Engine, a cow and a slice of orange are all set to fly over the West Country
We promise we've not gone mad when we say an alien, a jar of coffee and a bank branch are all due to fly over the West Country this summer.
Organisers of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta have confirmed which special shapes are set to take to the skies during the event, from the 9th to 11th August.
The iconic celebration of all things hot air ballooning will return to Ashton Court next month, with various different elements compared to last year.
For example the official event in Ashton Court will only last three days down from four, but other "community lifts" are planned from currently secret locations across the city earlier in Fiesta week, to celebrate community heroes.
The idea is unsung heroes, nominated by others, will be treated to flights over their communities, from specially selected locations.
Meanwhile from August 9th, for the first time ever this year, the Fiesta will host the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships.
That will see roughly 15 ballooning teams compete twice a day, taking off outside of the event with the aim of completing a competition task in the air over the Fiesta site.
On the less serious side of ballooning, the special shapes set to appear are as follows:
- Astro the Alien
- Wallace and Gromit's Moon Rocket
- Daisy the Cow
- The Scottish Piper
- Maxwell House Coffee Jar
- An Orange Slice
- Roziere
- Action Man
- Rupert the Bear
- Thomas the Tank Engine
- Lloyds TSB
- Michelin Man
- Buster & Bella the Bulldogs
During the main event from August 9th to 11th, mass ascents are planned twice a day at 6am and 6pm.
On the Friday and Saturday evenings the balloonists will also take part in Nightglows, when crews use their gas burners to light up the night sky in time to music.
You can find out more information about the Fiesta on its website here.