Balloon Fiesta begins at Bristol Airport

12/06/2009

A group of hot air balloons have been launched from Bristol International Airport to promote the city's annual Balloon Fiesta.

The balloons took to the air early this morning (June 12th) at 05:00 BST in order to minimise disruption to inbound and outbound flights at the air hub, the BBC reports.

Event director Susan Tanner commented that the event was intended to boost the profile of the special fiesta.

"We are delighted to showcase it to a wider international audience," Ms Tanner said.

The Balloon Fiesta itself will take place between August 6th and 9th, featuring a group of skydivers and a display from the Red Arrows aircraft team.

Meanwhile, bosses at East Midlands Airport have warned passengers travelling this weekend of expected road congestion caused by a nearby music festival.

Download Festival is taking place on the adjacent Donington Park raceway site and could cause traffic jams on roads and motorways in the area.