Families flock to enjoy a spectacular sky event that includes hot-air models of a nodding dog, a dragon and an Action Man over the scenic Bristol Downs

Thousands of tourists flocked to what many people say is the greatest balloon show on earth yesterday as England’s recent rainy weather cleared.

A dragon, a nodding dog, Woody Woodpecker and an Action Man joined 150 other colourful balloons taking to the skies for the yearly event at Ashton Court on the Bristol Downs.

Hundreds of families brought tents and sleeping bags for the four-day fiesta now in its 34th year.

And they weren’t disappointed over the main event ... a fantastic night glow when the balloons, still tethered by ropes, slowly rose up in the night sky and shone like light bulbs as music played and they bobbed up and down in a dance sequence.

And there was much more ... round-the-clock entertainment with pop groups, all-day catering, film shows, children’s play parks, funfairs, aeroplane acrobatics and fireworks.

What’s more, the spectacular International Balloon Fiesta is free for everyone.

Over half-a-million people are expected to attend the event which overlooks the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge built by Brunel.

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