Bedminster-based Cameron Balloons, the world’s largest manufacturer of hot-air balloons, will be celebrating its 40th anniversary by constructing a passenger-carrying balloon during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
Many of the hot-air balloons taking part in the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta are made by Bedminsters Cameron Balloons
In what will be a first for the Fiesta, the balloon will be constructed on-site over the four days to give visitors a chance to see how hot-air balloons are made.
Since 1971, Cameron Balloons have built more than 6,500 hot-air balloons and taken part in many world record attempts.
There will be a display of hot-air balloons from previous decades at the Fiesta.
The traditional curtain-raiser for the event took place on Monday 8 August at College Green. Some of the balloons will take part in a mass ascent from outside Bristol Cathedral and the Council House, while the others will remain tethered.
The Fiesta started on Thursday 11 August, with the favourite Special Shapes Ascent that take place at 6.00pm. The gates at Ashton Court opened at 12.00pm for visitors to see the tethered balloons in the main arena and visit the Trade and Entertainment Village before the mass ascent, Night Glow and fireworks display. There will be a further Night Glow and firework display on Saturday, and on Sunday the ever-popular Red Arrows will return.