Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2019 gets underway with Thursday balloon ascent
With bad weather on the horizon over the weekend, the organisers of this year's Bristol Balloon Fiesta have scheduled an additional mass on Thursday 8 August at 6am.
Read the latest weather forecast for the West Country here.
Organisers are reassuring people that the 6am mass ascents on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are still scheduled to go ahead as planned.
Thursday's ascent offers an addition chance to make the most of the promising weather forecast.
Read more: Bristol-built Darth Vader balloon returning to city for International Balloon Fiesta
For the first time this year the famous Darth Vader balloon is set to fly over the city. A Fiesta spokesperson commented:
Those hoping to attend the Thursday morning ascent can access the premium car park via Gate 4 at 05:30.
Car parking ticket need to be booked in advance via the Fiesta website, but if you already have a car parking ticket for Thursday it will now be valid from tomorrow morning via Gate 4 at Ashton Court Estate.
The forecast for Thursday looks promising, with a fine start allowing a great view of the beautiful mass ascent.
As low pressure sweeps in over the weekend, there's heavy showers and strong winds predicted, which could impact the balloon ascents.
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