The dark side of the moon - balloon bursts just hours into inflation

A test inflation of the moon ballon Credit: Luke Jerram

A balloon created to look like the moon - and dubbed one of the star attractions of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta - has burst.

The Museum of the Moon was inflated for the first time at the festival - and was visible to the public for around three hours.

But, due to strong winds a "technical malfunction" caused it to tear - and creators were forced to recall it.

The huge inflatable which is seven metres across - was an art installation made of panels featuring detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface.

Each centimetre on artist Luke Jerram's sphere represents 5km on the actual surface of the moon.

The local artist had hoped it will provide an unusual perspective on how we see the moon - unobstructed by clouds or trees - and with its dark side visible.

Families had a short window of opportunity to enjoy the Museum of the Moon at the Balloon Fiesta Credit: ITV West Country
The Museum of the Moon inflated at the Balloon Fiesta Credit: ITV West Country