Europe's biggest hot air balloon festival concludes in Bristol

Almost 160 hot air balloons from across the world have taken part in Europe's biggest balloon festival which ended in Bristol, Britain on Sunday night with a mass ascent.

Perfect weather conditions saw a dazzling display of balloons in all shapes and sizes take to the skies above the city, with tens of thousands of spectators watching the spectacle.

Improved weather conditions saw a number of mass ascents at this year's Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, the 38th to be organized in the city.

One team travelled from, Thailand, with most heading to the festival from mainland European countries. Organisers said that in all, 267 balloon flights took place during the event, putting on a great show for the thousands of Fiesta visitors in Bristol and the surrounding areas.

The first mass ascent took place on what turned out to be a beautiful Saturday evening, when the balloons took off to a cheering crowd. Flights on the two previous days had to be cancelled because of weather conditions.

The skies were crowded with color again on Sunday morning and evening, ending the event on a high with one balloon traveller proposing to his girlfriend as they climbed aboard a balloon. It certainly left one bride to be with her head in the clouds. Another couple raced to the festival to celebrate their wedding with a balloon flight.

Late night visitors on Thursday and Saturday witnessed the spectacle of the famous nightglows, as 30 teams lit up their balloons in time to music when night fell ahead of a spectacular fireworks display.

Sue Atkinson, chair of the Fiesta Organising Committee, commented: "After some fast winds we had three incredible mass ascents with 267 balloon flights taking off. It was a real family affair." Endit