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Some of the best pictures from Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Leigh BoobyerBBC News, Bristol
News imageSam Binding A giant green hot air balloon in the shape of a dragon flies high above Clifton Suspension Bridge. It has a yellow belly and a smiling mouth as well as two small horns. The Prince of Wales bridge is just about visible in the far distance.Sam Binding
Oggy the Dragon is double the size of a standard hot air balloon

More than 300 hot air balloon flights went ahead across the weekend during the 47th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

The event saw tens of thousands of people visit Ashton Court Estate from Friday to Sunday for the fiesta's famous mass ascents, nightglows and more.

The fiesta's executive director Ben Hardy hailed this year's spectacle as "one of the best".

Take a look at some of our favourite pictures from the weekend.

News imageBristol International Balloon Fiesta The tops of dozens of colourful hot air balloons in various states of inflation seen from high above. The wicker basket of the balloon the photographer is inside is visible in the bottom of the image. There are large crowds on the ground.Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
News imageBristol International Balloon Fiesta Many people having fun during an event with a big Ferris wheel in the background. A woman is pointing a foam machine at a young crowd as they smile.Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
News imageBristol International Balloon Fiesta Eight people are standing with their backs to the camera. They appear to be inside a hot air balloon canopy. Lights are being projected onto the canopy and the people are silhouetted. There are three TV screens simulating what it is like to fly inside a balloon.Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
News imageBristol International Balloon Fiesta About eight colourful hot air balloons are inflated next to each other and tethered to the ground. It is dark and the burners are lighting up the balloons. A crowd is gathered in the background.Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
News imageAdam Drysdale A black labrador is standing in a grassy field looking towards a number of hot air balloons flying in the distance. There are about 30 to 40 balloons which appear as small dots in the sky above the horizon. Adam Drysdale
News imageSally Wattiaux Colourful hot air balloons are flying at different heights above trees and The Downs in Bristol. There are about a dozen balloons, with blue, white, red, orange and yellow colours shining bright against the muted colours of the background. Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge is visible in the backgroundSally Wattiaux
News imagePA Media A pilot stands inside a basket as he flies a hot air balloon with a striped, rainbow-themed canopy. The basket is small and it appears he is the only person in it. Dozens of other balloons can be seen in the distance. They are all flying above Bristol, with the rooftops of houses visible.PA Media
News imageAndy Krebs Hot air balloons are flying in the sky as people enjoy themselves in the summer sun on Bristol's harbour. Some are paddleboarding and kayaking while others stand alongside the water. The sky is blue and the sun is reflecting off the water.Andy Krebs
News imagePA Media Passengers in a hot air balloon are beginning to take off, surrounded by other balloons. On the outside of the wicker basket is a thank you NHS sign.PA Media

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