Bristol doesn't always get the same recognition as Paris in conversations about the world's most romantic cities.
But a stroll over Pero's Bridge gives the sense that Bristolians have just as much love to give as the sweethearts who have decorated the famous Pont des Arts.
The bouncy crossing in Bristol Harbour may not have as many love-locks as the French counterpart did in its heyday, but they still number in the hundreds, if not thousands.
We visited Pero's Bridge yesterday afternoon to get a sample of the most eye-catching padlocks attached to the railing.
As a busker's earnestly strummed ballads floated out over the sun-dappled waters of the Avon, it certainly felt like love was in the air.
That's not to say that all of the messages were traditionally romantic.
Take the lock which reads "Damnnnnnn", alongside the word "secretary" – one of the odder offerings.
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Then there is the smartly engraved but undeniably strange message: "Master JWYX & panda slave together for eternity".
One lock even appears to be blank, perhaps a postmodern comment on the emptiness of 21st century relationships. Or the special someone's name might just be Smith like the lock brand.
Another scrawl shares a bittersweet mantra: "Keep on wishin'".
There are references to well-known Bristol spots, with one lock paying tribute to The Lanes, a bowling ally and nightclub on Nelson Street.
Pero's Bridge itself gets a mention, in a small picture of the attraction on a lock.
"X loves Y" is the most common theme, though there is an interesting spin on this with "Jack loves Jack" – a celebration of self-respect or two lovers with the same name?
There are also moving memorials to loved ones who have passed away.
An image of doves is featured on the other side of a lock which says "RIP", while another reads: "In memory of our last day out together".
Here is our full gallery of the best Pero's Bridge love-locks:
'A menace'
The practice of attaching padlocks to Pero's Bridge started more than five years ago and has occasionally attracted controversy.
Then Mayor George Ferguson hit out at the craze in 2014, arguing it could affect the lifting of the bridge each day.
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He said: "If you've going to express your love, do it in a way that isn't going to cause a menace. Let's think of a Bristol way of doing it.
"Actually, I find it rather terrifying. Locking love - I don't think one should do that. It's the wrong expression to me."
Bristol City Council workers removed many of the padlocks from the bridge in 2015.
Asked the council's current position on the love-locks, a spokesperson said: “The bridge is part of the working harbour and must continue to be able to open in order for it to function.
"We understand that many of the padlocks carry great meaning to the people who put them there so would only ever remove locks if they impede the safe use of the bridge.”
The spokesperson did not comment when asked if the council wishes for people to stop attaching the locks.
