Bristol saw more than 40 colourful hot air balloons dotted over its skies this morning for the city’s annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
The annual event is the largest hot air balloon event in Europe and normally attracts more than 500,000 visitors. This year it was kept ‘top secret’ to prevent crowds from gathering.
The usual on-the-ground activities held at the Ashton Court estate were also cancelled due to social distancing measures, and Monday’s mass ascent of 43 balloons was touted as only a ‘flypast’ this year.
However, there will also be a virtual ‘nightglow’, when tethered balloons light their burners in time to music.
Chris Allcock, chairman of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, said: “We’re all deeply saddened that we can’t gather at Ashton Court to celebrate the 42nd Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
“We have been working with our balloonists and the authorities to create an event which adheres to the social distancing restrictions. We are inviting Bristolians to watch the balloons from the safety of their own doorsteps and gardens.
“Social distancing means we absolutely cannot gather in parks or Bristol’s open spaces or invite our audiences to see the balloons take off or land, to protect our pilots and the public.
“Instead we’re asking people to give them a wave as they fly past Bristol’s communities.”
Additional reporting by PA.
