The first balloons to take off at this year’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta were the special shapes, which included Stuart from Despicable Me 2, the Scottish FA Cup and a copy of the Financial Times:

Two mass ascents are due to take place today, at 6am and 6pm, with the Red Arrows swooping over Ashton Court at 4pm.

For more information, visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk.