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Hot air balloons take to the sky - in pictures

Leigh BoobyerBBC News, Bristol
News imageBBC A large dragon-shaped hot air balloon is flying over residential streets with cars lined up.BBC
Oggy the Dragon - which is more than twice the size of a standard hot air balloon - was seen flying over Whitchurch

Dozens of hot air balloons have taken off to mark the start of the 47th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

The mass ascent at 06:20 BST on Friday saw balloons take off from Ashton Court, on the edge of Bristol, before landing in various spots towards Bath and around Keynsham.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on Ashton Court Estate for the event, which runs until Sunday, to watch balloons take to the skies and witness the iconic night glows.

Many avid watchers have sent in photos via WhatsApp of the balloons taking off.

If you want to send us photos of the balloons, WhatsApp us on 0800 313 4630. Please remember to include your name and where you are from.

You can also follow our live coverage of the event here.

News imageJames Bennetts Many hot air balloons pictured in the sky above housesJames Bennetts
This photo was taken from Ashton by James Bennetts
News imageMel The Disney 'Up' style balloon was pictured peering through housesMel
The Disney 'Up' style balloon was pictured peering between houses
News imageAlice Balloons pictured flying in the sky in Bristol taken from a steep parkAlice
Balloons could be seen across the skyline from Perrett Park, on the Totterdown and Knowle border
News imageRachel Harries Balloons flying over a harbour with many boats in the water.Rachel Harries
Rachel Harries took a picture of the balloons flying over the harbour in Spike Island
News imageHot air balloons are being prepared to take off, with some already ascending.
The event is taking place at Ashton Court Estate
News imageSam Binding A dragon-shaped hot air ballloon flying above the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.Sam Binding
Sam Binding sent in this photograph of Oggy the Dragon flying over the Clifton Suspension Bridge
News imageNoah's Ark Farm A meerkat looks at the camera with big brown beady eyes. It's standing inside a miniature hot air balloon basket.Noah's Ark Farm
The meerkats at Noah's Ark Farm have been celebrating the Balloon Fiesta too

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