Organisers of the 2010 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta were feeling deflated today after bad weather postponed the start of the 32nd annual event.
Strong winds scuppered a planned mass ascent of balloons as part of Britain’s biggest balloon fiesta on Thursday.
But this morning around 80 balloons took to the skies as part of the belated start.
2010 Bristol International Baloon Fiesta in pictures
Weather forecasters warned the remaining 70 balloons may have to delay their ascent as rain showers were predicted.
The four-day event, which is in its 32nd year, is celebrating 50 years of modern ballooning.
It is also celebrating 100 years of aviation at Filton and the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Teams from Dubai, the United States, France and Switzerland are among those expected to take part.
Among the balloons is the world’s first ever glass-bottom hot air balloon, which took to the skies above Bath on Thursday morning.