August welcomed the annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Europe’s largest annual hot air balloon festival. This year’s event was held from Aug 9 to 12. Photo: VCG

The International Balloon Fiesta attracted over 130 hot air balloons from across the world. Photo: VCG

This year’s event was the 40th Fiesta, which was first held in 1979. Photo: VCG

This special birthday cake hot air balloon celebrated the 40th Fiesta. Photo: Bristol Post

There were also other special shaped hot air balloons which lit up the sky. Photo: VCG

Crowds gathered to enjoy the “night glow,” in which air balloons were lighten up and released to the sky. Other entertainment included fairground rides and trade stands. Photo: VCG

Hundreds of thousands of visitors came from around the world to enjoy the spectacular scenes of balloons high up in the sky. Photo: VCG