Balloon festival hailed as 'one of the best'
Thousands of people descended on Ashton Court Estate over the weekend to watch the hot air balloons take off and see the iconic nightglows.
Ben Hardy, executive director of the fiesta, said the event was in his "top three" after 15 years in the job.
Speaking to Joe Sims on BBC Radio Bristol, Mr Hardy said a tear "rolled down" his cheek during Sunday's mass ascent.
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Official turnout figures have not yet been released, but Mr Hardy said he believes attendance was in the hundreds of thousands across the three days.
The final mass ascent of the 47th edition of the fiesta saw many colourful balloons soar across the city during a beautiful sunset.
"To finish a fiesta weekend with a mass ascent like the one we had straight over the city - I have to say me and a few team members sat in that arena as the last balloon took off, and a little tear did roll down the cheek," Mr Hardy said.
The spectacle is a major part of the fiesta weekend, with six planned ascents across the three days showcasing a display of balloons across Bristol's skylines.
This year, only four ascents took place as two were called off due to poor weather conditions.
They included fan favourites that fly every year and new editions, such as a 143 ft (43.5 metres) dragon called Oggy.
Mr Hardy hinted on BBC Radio Bristol that the owners of Oggy the Dragon may return with a scarecrow balloon next year.
Work on next year's Balloon Fiesta begins in September, he said.
Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Recap: Friday at the Balloon Fiesta - watch the mass ascent and night glow again
Balloon festival founder praised as event returns
Fiesta gave me ballooning ambition at four
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
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