A DURSLEY hot air balloon team took part in today’s special flypast marking the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

The annual event, which usually takes place at Ashton Court, was cancelled this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

But organisers arranged today’s flypast, which more than 40 balloonists took part in, to mark the occasion.

Thomas Lee of the Bluebell hot air balloon team, which is based in Dursley, said: “Today was very special.

“We were delighted to have been part of it and it was lovely to see so many of our ballooning family again after such a long time.

“It was a gorgeous morning, and in addition to over 40 balloons, we had pilot Rich Goodwin flyby in his Pitts Special stunt bi-plane and make a smiley face for us 10,000ft above us.

“Obviously the last few months have been hard for everyone, so it was a huge testament to everyone involved to do something nice for Bristol and pull off at least one flight.

“We haven’t been able to fly at all during the early stages of lockdown and have only managed a handful of flights this year so far. So it was amazing to be back flying with everyone again."

The fly past took off from Ashton Court and people across Bristol were urged to enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their own homes as the balloons took to the skies.

Chris Allcock, who is chair of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, said: "We’re all deeply saddened that we can’t gather at Ashton Court to celebrate the 42nd Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

"Social distancing means we absolutely cannot gather in parks or Bristol’s open spaces or invite our audiences to see the balloons take off or land, to protect our pilots and the public.

"Instead we asked people to give them a wave as they flew past Bristol’s communities."

See more Fiesta flyby photos at: bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/

“Huge thanks go to our amazing crew who did a brilliant job too.”

“Myself and my girlfriend Holly Skiplorne are the only two permanent members of the Bluebell team.

“We rely on our generous friends and family and sometimes very generous strangers - who quickly become friends - to make up the numbers and crew for us.”

See more Fiesta flyby photos at: bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/