We've had glorious weather so far this fiesta, but even so the sight of dozens of balloons inflating is something we're trying not to take for granted.

Many a mass ascent has been called off in the past for rain or high winds, so to see this glorious view first thing this morning is something to celebrate.

He was one of the big characters of yesterday morning's ascent, after he was landed in a small primary school car park in south Bristol - and he's back today.

Sarah Turnnidge
Live page reporter

Image source, Ash Samuelson

The nature of the balloon fiesta means it is truly a city-wide event, totally dependent on wherever the wind blows.

Last night, the stunning display drifted towards the east of the city. Ash Samuelson from Easton sent us these adorable pictures from Netham Park, where the Panasonic Battery hot air balloon landed.

"The pilots were amazing, they let all the children jump on the envelope to let the air out and gave badges to my two and four-year-old at the end for helping," he told us.

While we try our best, we can't be everywhere during the fiesta - which is why we love hearing your stories and seeing your pictures. To get in touch, use the quick form on this page.

Image source, Ash Samuelson

Take a look at some of the beautiful pictures we've been sent this morning from viewers across the city - thank you!

If you've taken a great snap from wherever you are, please do send it to us using the form on this page (at the top on mobile phones, on the left if you're on a computer).

Image source, John Dalby

Image source, David Cole

If you've been in Bristol for the past day there's a good chance you've seen the giant suitcase flying past - but not like this.

We went inside the envelope this morning to watch the enormous sculptural balloon inflate before it took flight.

We'll have a video showing how the inflation worked later on.

Saturday's early mass ascent is now well under way, with balloons of all shapes and sizes drifting across the city.

If you couldn't quite face the dawn excursion to Ashton Court fear not - you can watch all the action up close here.

According to the balloon tracker, most of the first flights to set off this morning are headed in a south-easterly direction over Bedminster, Knowle and Hengrove.

But as we heard from flight director Clive Bailey yesterday, this could change as the morning draws on - as the sun warms the ground the air can slowly change direction.

Image source, Bristol Balloon Fiesta

The first balloons have already taken to the skies, and many more are ready to join them.

Keep your eyes peeled wherever you are - we'll keep you updated on the direction they seem to be heading in once we have a clearer picture.

Quick work by the pilots and balloon crews! The first one is away.

Eyes to the sky, people.

We've had green smoke which means flights are going ahead on Saturday morning.

The pilots have just left their early morning briefing. Standby!

Image source, Getty Images

While we wait for news on the ascent, it might be worth a reminder of what we're expecting over Saturday and Sunday.

We've put together a guide to all the scheduled action at Ashton Court this weekend.

Sarah Turnnidge
Live page reporter

It's shaping up to be another spectacular day at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - after two mass ascents and a night glow yesterday there are high hopes for more of the same from the huge crowds expected to descend on Ashton Court.

Elsewhere across the city families are also heading out in their droves to viewpoints where the balloons can be seen drifting over the morning horizon.

We can see the pilots getting ready - but is flying on the cards this morning? It's another beautiful sunrise, but we can't know for sure we'll be seeing any action until green smoke covers the arena. Stay tuned.

Image source, Google

As expected, it's another busy day on the roads around the site entrance before dawn even breaks.

You can only park at Ashton Court first thing if you've already booked - the early car park is fully booked.

Welcome to Saturday at the Balloon Fiesta.

We're now waiting for the will they, won't they moment for Saturday's mass ascent. We'll let you know as soon as we know.

Image source, Getty Images

Two mass ascents, a giant scarecrow, one amazing nightglow and a marriage proposal - not bad for day one of the fiesta. But like the scarecrow, we need a lie down.

We're pausing our live coverage now, but we'll be back with you bright and early ahead of what will hopefully be another early morning mass take-off.

What a way to propose! Jacob asked Poppy to marry him in the midst of the nightglow - and she said yes!

A lovely moment.

Want to relive the first nightglow of the 2026 Bristol Balloon Fiesta?

Course you do.

The ever-spectacular nightglow has ended and the crowds are starting to head towards the car parks and pedestrian exits of Ashton Court.

What a day! Two successul mass ascents followed by the glow. Let's hope for more of the same on Saturday.

No fireworks by the way, in case you were wondering.