Hot on the heels of a stunning flypast which saw more than 40 balloons take to the skies, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta organisers have revealed details of a virtual nightglow.
The nightglows are usually one of the most popular parts of the annual spectacle, with dozens of tethered balloons lighting up in time to music using their bunsens.
Sadly it will not be possible to stage them live in front of crowds at Ashton Court this year due to Covid-19 restrictions - but event organisers have ensured there's still something for us to look forward to.
At 9pm on Saturday (August 8) a nightglow will be broadcast to viewers at home, featuring 12 hot air balloons and their crews, having been pre-recorded behind closed doors.
The production will feature some impressive special effects and a light show, as well as some surprises said a spokesperson, all performed to a soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol.
Chris Allcock, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta chairman, said: "It was the perfect morning for some ballooning with blue skies and light winds taking them out over the green hills of Dundry and homes of South Bristol.
"We weren’t able to invite people to see us lift off in the current climate but we’ve had thousands of messages from people seeing them from their gardens this morning.
"Now we are preparing for the virtual nightglow which will bring a bit of fiesta magic through social media on Saturday."
How to watch the virtual nightglow
This year’s nightglow will be closed to the public before being broadcast on Saturday at 9pm, which is when a Fiesta nightglow traditionally takes place.
BBC Radio Bristol's soundtrack will be the "most upbeat and high energy in the event’s history," added the spokesperson.
The spectacle will be available to watch on both the BBC Bristol and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta social media channels.
This morning saw 43 hot air balloons take off in Bristol for the Fiesta Flypast, a socially distanced alternative to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2020.
The balloons took off from a giant heart painted on the grass, as part of the city's #BristolTogether initiative, inviting people safely back to the city.
