Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2015

How was your experience of the 2015 Bristol Balloon Fiesta? Mass balloon ascents, night glows and parabatix attracted more than half a million people to this year's event.

Organisers say the last four days have been some of the most successful in its history, but spectators had to be turned away on Saturday night because the site was full. Is the fiesta a victim of its own success?

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Missed the Balloon Fiesta? See 360 degrees of Bristol from the sky

Never been up in a balloon? See 360 degrees of Bristol from the sky with one click. Credit: FundamentalVR

Even with the Balloon Fiesta just gone, Bristol's ballooning craze is still going strong.

The balloon fans who missed out this year (and those who just want to see their city from the sky) can get a 360-degree balloon view with this stunning video by FundamentalVR.

Bristol mayor says things will change after Balloon Fiesta traffic gridlock

Thousands had to be turned away from the popular yearly event. Credit: Aaron Sims

The Mayor of Bristol has told ITV News he's investigating how to improve access to the city's annual Balloon Fiesta, after thousands had to be turned away on Saturday night.

Spectators travelling by car faced miles of queues and long delays getting onto the site at Ashton Court. In the end organisers told people to stay away for the first time in the event's 37-year history.

Many stuck in traffic vented their frustrations on social media.

Was the popular free event a victim of its own success this year? Victoria Davies' report has the full story.

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Was the Bristol Balloon Fiesta a victim of its own success?

Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2015 Credit: Mark Woolacott

Organisers of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta say the last four days have been some of the most successful in the event's history - but was it a victim of its own success?

For the first time ever, the site was closed and spectators turned away on Saturday night because it was so full - with traffic problems for many of those trying to get in.

At the event itself, mass balloon ascents and night glows attracted more than half a million people.

Ben Hardy, Operations Director of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, hopes the event will be bigger and better next year.

How would you rate the balloon fiesta? Email us westcountry@itv.com

Weatherman Alex heads into the skies in a Minion

It has been perfect weather for the 37th Balloon fiesta. The mass ascent took place early this morning in bright sunshine with around 100 balloons taking to the skies around the city.

Today was the first full day of the Bristol International Balloon fiesta. Our weatherman Alex Beresford was lucky enough to go up in one of the hundred or so balloons taking part in this morning's mass ascent - none other than Stuart the Minion.

The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is Europe's biggest hot air balloon festival and over half a million visitors are expected to descend upon the Ashton Court Estate this weekend. There are seven mass ascents in total as well as the famous Night Glow, which took place last night and will also be held tomorrow night as well.

We've put together a montage of what's happened so far:

Glowing pictures of last night's Balloon Fiesta opening

Bristol balloon fiesta opened in style last night. Credit: Aaron Sims
Thousands of people went to Ashton Court to watch the spectacle. Credit: Aaron Sims
40 hot air balloons were lit up in time to music. Credit: Aaron Sims

Send us your pictures on Facebook or E-mail to westcountry@itv.com.

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We want to see your Bristol Balloon Fiesta pictures!

Some of the ITV News West Country team have been out and about taking pictures at this year's Balloon Fiesta:

Kylie heads to the Balloon Fiesta (and takes a few selfies along the way)

Up, up and away! Stunning aerial pictures of Bristol

But we want to see your pictures and selfies in our online gallery as well!

Tweet us: @itvwestcountry

Post them on our Facebook page

E-mail them to: westcountry@itv.com.

Some of the ITV West Country team pause for a selfie at Night glow. Credit: ITV West Country / Sarah Norman

Up, up and away! Stunning aerial pictures of Bristol

One of our team was up bright and early this morning, taking an early balloon flight over the city, for the start of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2015.

Laura took to the skies in the Jones Lang LaSalle balloon and managed to take some incredible aerial shots of the city.

Here are just some of the pictures she took for you to enjoy:

The view from up above looking down on the Balloon Fiesta. Credit: Laura Heads
Plenty of other balloons in the distance. Credit: Laura Heads
Watching the sun rise over the city of Bristol. Credit: Laura Heads
Have you ever seen Bristol look more beautiful in the early morning sun? Credit: Laura Heads
Look at all that colour! An array of different shaped hot air balloons. Credit: Laura Heads

Solar-powered hot air balloon makes its debut flight

First solar-powered hot air balloon gets the go ahead to make its maiden flight. Credit: ITV West Country / Richard Payne

The first solar-powered hot air balloon in the world has made its debut flight at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

Sunny weather meant the hybrid ballon could make its maiden flight this morning, to mark the city’s status as the UK’s first European Green Capital.

The balloon is partially powered by the sun and a conventional propane burner.

Constructed by Cameron Balloons in Bristol, it has been made using panels of fabric, which are specifically designed to soak in the sun’s rays.

Kylie heads to the Balloon Fiesta (and takes a few selfies along the way!)

The Bristol Balloon Fiesta launched in style with its famous Night glow opener.

Thousands of people made the trip to the Ashton Court Estate to watch 40 hot air balloons being lit up in time to music.

And our very own Kylie Pentelow was there to soak up the atmosphere...

Snapping away with those two penguin balloons in the background. Credit: Kylie Pentelow
The sun was shining for the start of the 37th International Balloon Fiesta. Credit: Kylie Pentelow
Sunglasses are on for the next balloon selfie! Credit: Kylie Pentelow
Hot air balloon inspired by the Walt Disney film Up. Credit: Kylie Pentelow
It's getting dark - time for those hot air balloons to glow! Credit: Kylie Pentelow
A spectacle for the eyes and ears at the magical Nightglow. Credit: Kylie Pentelow
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