It's Europe's largest hot air balloon festival and this year, as well as the colourful hot air balloons, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will host the daredevil aerobatics stunts by the Red Arrows.

Flying Lighthouses
Each year this event attracts more attention, and the 2009 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta looks to be busier than ever. One of the most popular events is the Special Shapes Rodeo. This takes place on the first day of the festival, and it sees balloons of all designs and shapes take to the sky, from a flying cathedral to a lighthouse.

Night Sights
If you can't make the opening of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, you'll still be able to see the specially shaped balloons in flight as they, along with dozens of other hot air balloons, are launched each day at 6am and 6pm.

Night Glow
A highlight of the weekend is the Night Glow, a fantastic display of hot air balloons at night. Using three effects - burn, flicker and flash - the balloons create mesmerising sequences which are put to music. The evening finishes with a firework display by Bristol-based pyrotechnics company Skyburst.

Red Arrows
As well as the peaceful displays by hot air balloonists, there's also high octane thrills from aerobatic display teams, including the world famous Red Arrows. Joining them in their death-defying feats are the EXIT Parachute team who defy gravity as they gently drift to earth after performing spectacular formations and smoke displays.

Balloon Rides
If you've a head for heights you can take a balloon ride at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. If not, there's plenty of entertainment on the ground including an EA Games hub where you can try the latest EA Games, or you head over to the Noah's Ark Zoo Farm where you'll find petting donkeys and llamas.

Clifton Suspension Bridge
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is free, and it's a fantastic event for all the family. But get there early if you want a good viewing spot for the launches as it does get busy and this year the Clifton Suspension Bridge will yet again be closed due to the high number of visitors.

The fiesta takes place at Ashton Court from Thursday 6th August - Sunday 9th August 2009. Entry is free.