Bristol in pictures: Balloons, bingo and boats

Steve MellenBBC News, Bristol
News imageUniversity of Bristol Xander Van der Poll sitting at the top of Park Street in Bristol. He is in a wheelchair and smiling at the cameraUniversity of Bristol
Xander Van der Poll, a medical student paralysed from the waist down after falling from a tree, has graduated from the University of Bristol as a doctor

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is nearly here and the event was officially launched with a special mass ascent from College Green this week.

Elsewhere in the city, graduation season carried on with some inspiring stories coming out of the University of Bristol, and there have been some bingo sessions with a difference over at Motion.

New light shows, live music at the SS Great Britain and giant inflatables - it's all in our weekly gallery.

News imagePA Media A cluster of colourful hot air balloons are seen from above as they are inflated ready for a media launch to publicise the Bristol International Balloon FiestaPA Media

We have lift off: Early morning commuters got a treat this week as a series of hot air balloons took off from College Green to publicise the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which will take place from 9 August.

News imageBingo Lingo Dozens of people cheer as colourful confetti flies overhead during a Bingo Lingo session in the outdoor yard at Motion in BristolBingo Lingo

Full house: Raucous night out Bingo Lingo has been taking over the outdoor area at Motion on Fridays in July, bringing a whole new approach to the popular game.

News imageBristol Zoological Society TV presenter Andy Day stands with his arms outstretched at the entrance of the new Explorers Basecamp play area at Bristol Zoo ProjectBristol Zoological Society
News imageBristol Zoological Society A group of children run under the welcome sign to the Explorers Basecamp play area at the Bristol Zoo ProjectBristol Zoological Society

Playtime: TV presenter Andy Day officially opened the new Explorers Basecamp area at Bristol Zoo Project.

About 10,000 children applied to be the testers of the new play equipment, with the lucky winners unleashed on the site this week.

News imageSS Great Britain Trust A group of people stand around in a circle watching musicians play in the dockyard at the ss Great Britain in BristolSS Great Britain Trust

Shipshape: A sure sign that summer is here is the evening entertainment at the SS Great Britain on the harbourside. There are four "summer lates" with bands and BBQs at the famous ship this year, the last one being on 1 August. Pictured above are the band Pretend Friends performing for the audience.

News imageAvon Valley Former rugby playerAvon Valley

Pumped up: Former England rugby union star David Flatman officially opened the Tartan Titan this week - the UK's largest inflatable assault course. The 600m-long attraction can be found at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park.

News imagePurplefish PR A man and a woman stand under bright pinpoints of light in dark room at the Lumosphere attraction in Cabot Circus in BristolPurplefish PR

Let there be light: New light show Lumosphere has arrived in Bristol, taking over the historic Friary Building in Cabot Circus. The interactive light and projection show is running until 16 August.

News image@Thatchers A yellow Thatchers hot air balloon hovers over Bristol's harbourside with the Lloyd's Ampitheatre and boats visible below, along with the River Avon@Thatchers

Uplifting: One more balloon picture? Ok. This brilliant shot was taken as the Thatchers balloon hovered over the city centre. See how many landmarks you can pick out.