19 August 2011Last updated at 13:16

In pictures: Northampton Balloon Festival 2011

The festival, which was first held in 1990, was inspired by events including Bristol's Balloon Fiesta.

The event attracts thousands of people who come to the fair as well as to watch the balloons.

A shot of the field where the balloons are taking off.

Flying takes place early in the morning or in the early evening. This is when the conditions are often at their best.

Balloons on the horizon of Northamptonshire

Ballooning is a weather-dependent pastime. If the winds are too high it is difficult to get the balloons up in the air.

Balloonists have good relations with farmers in the county who kindly allow them to land in their fields. It takes a lot of skill to get the balloons back on the ground.

Northampton

In pictures: Northampton Balloon Festival 2011

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