In Pictures: Sky’s the limit as the Bristol Balloon Fiesta takes off

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta lifted off in fine fashion after windy weather conditions delayed the first mass launch on Thursday.

More than 100 hot air balloons are expected to grace the skies during the four-day spectacle, which is taking place after the Covid pandemic halted the celebration for two years.

Hot air balloons begin to take off during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2022 (Ben Birchall/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Ben Birchall

A balloon is prepared for flying at Ashton Court, Bristol (Ben Birchall/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Ben Birchall

Equipment is tested before the mass launch (Ben Birchall/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Ben Birchall

A balloon flies over fields which have turned brown and dried out in the prolonged spell of dry weather (Ben Birchall/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Ben Birchall

The fiesta is expected to see more than 100 balloons fly over the Bristol area (Ben Birchall/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Ben Birchall

An extravagantly-designed hot air balloon takes off (Ben Birchall/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Ben Birchall

The Royal Navy’s hot air balloon (Ben Birchall/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Ben Birchall

Balloons against an early morning Bristol skyline (Ben Birchall/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Ben Birchall

Ready for take-off (Ben Birchall/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Ben Birchall

A balloon casts a shadow over a farmer’s field (Ben Birchall/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Ben Birchall