Poor weather on Monday morning did little to dampen the spirits of scores of balloonists who set off on the first launch of the 2002 International Balloon Fiesta in Bristol.

A total of 23 balloons took to the air over the West Country city to herald the four-day fiesta, which is officially opened on Thursday.

A spokesman said Monday's early-morning flights represented a fraction of the ariel spectacle, when balloons should ascend in clouds of more than 100 at a time.

Last year's event suffered as a result of foot-and-mouth restrictions and bad weather.

I was a bit disconcerted when we began our descent and I noticed we were going to land in a graveyard.

Richard Greenaway

Susan Tanner, event director, said: "I think this year is going to be very special with an extra nightglow and loads more on the main stage."

Thousands of people were expected to visit the Ashton Court estate to see the morning and evening balloon launches, she said.

"All the old favourites will be here for the main launches and we're hoping to have a few surprises as well."

BBC journalist Richard Greenaway, who joined the early-morning launch on Monday said: "At 4.30 this morning the weather was so wet and overcast it seemed there would be no chance of a flight.

"But the weather cleared and we finally took off from the city centre Lloyds ampitheatre just before 7am.

"It was a superb flight over the city although I was a bit disconcerted when we began our descent and I noticed we were going to land in a graveyard."