121 hot air balloons took part in a mass launch in Bristol

Hot air balloons lift off during a mass ascent Credit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Colourful balloons of all shapes and sizes were scattered across the skyline of the west country as 121 hot air balloons took part in a mass launch. Half a million visitors are expected to descend on the city of Bristol, which plays host to Europe's largest ballooning event, this weekend.

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, now in its 36th year, features displays by hot air balloons from across the globe. Balloons ascend from Ashton Court estate at dawn and dusk, taking in glorious views of the city including the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Performances of the Last Post will be played on a violin, oboe, saxophone and dhol drum during the evening ascents to mark the First World War centenary.

Nightglows, in which the balloons are illuminated in time to music, take place at the venue each evening before firework shows.

The fiesta also includes a number of aerial displays from helicopters and aircraft, including the RAF Typhoon Display team, flown by 29 (Reserve) Squadron from RAF Coningsby.

Speaking at the mass ascent, organiser Ben Hardy described the sight as "fantastic".

Hot air balloons over north Somerset following a mass ascent Credit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire/Press Association Images

16 year old Pilot Under Training Zack Daly, one of the youngest balloonists in the UK, took to the skies with the supervision of his father 55 year old Joe Daly. They are part of the only Irish team at the fiesta - which welcomes balloons from nine countries - and represent their home town of Waterford.

Zack will gain his full pilot's licence on his 17th birthday in February.

Hot air balloons are inflated ahead of a mass ascent Credit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire/Press Association Images

This evening The Last Post will be played on a violin by John Archer, with Paul Sartin of Bellowhead performing a version on the oboe on Saturday night. For the final rendition, Sarha Moore and Jas Daffu of The Bollywood Brass Band will play the Last Post on the soprano sax and dhol drum.

Virginia Crompton, executive producer of The Last Post Project, said mass performances of the poignant ceremonial call would also take place across the country in November.

The 2014 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, a free event, opened at 12pm on Thursday, with a special shapes - featuring a Smurf balloon from Belgium - launch at 6pm.

It will finish at 8.30pm on Sunday, following displays including parachutes, wing walkers and Spitfire and Hurricane planes.