Thousands at Telford Balloon Fiesta – PICTURES AND VIDEO
The sun came out to greet the crowds at Telford's Balloon Fiesta at the weekend.
Thousands of people flocked to the QEII Arena in the town park to catch a glimpse of the hot air balloon displays and the Strongmen competitions.
They were not disappointed despite poor weather conditions early on Saturday morning, which saw just three balloons take to the skies.
Temperatures rose in the afternoon which attracted more crafts to the field, and last night the balloons were lit up for an impressive night glow event.
The Wales’s Strongest Man and England’s Strongest Man competitions, which were qualification heats for the UK’s Strongest Man, attracted huge support and will be aired on Channel 5 in the near future.
On Saturday, as the competitors limbered up for rounds including the car lift, log for reps, stones of strength and the dead lift for max, they and the crowds were welcomed to the arena by the Mayor of Telford & Wrekin Councillor Raj Mehta.
Councillor Mehta said: "Enjoy the day. Don't worry about the clouds. Today and tomorrow is all about you. All the best to all the competitors."
Among the main attractions was a memorable display by The Red Devils parachute team that drew huge applause.
It was the team's fifth appearance of the year.
There were also performances by BMX stunt riders, street entertainers and fire eaters.
Some families brought picnics while others tucked into food from the refreshment stands while watching the entertainment.
We found out what it's like to go up in a hot air balloon:
Retired shop assistant Val Cooksey, of Randlay, Telford, said: "I came for a day out in the town. This event is really good for Telford & Wrekin and shows what we can do.
"It is a free event and gives everybody a chance to get the family out for the day. It's just nice to be here."
Swim school operator Glynis Sheppard, 47, of Cross Houses, near Shrewsbury, brought her son Charlie, seven, to watch the strong men in action.
"It's very nice. We didn't fancy going to the Shropshire Kids Festival in Shrewsbury so we decided to come to Telford instead," she said.
Shop assistant Karen Turner, 51, of Dawley, Telford, said: "I think it's lovely. It's so nice to see so many people here and all the young families. It is brilliant.
"It is good for Telford and of course it's stopped raining which is a bonus. It is really good entertainment.
"I've come to see the plane and the parachute jump and the strong men as I've never seen the competition live before. It's all really good for trade in the town as well."
Among the visitors to the town was Heather Stubbs, aunt of Red Devils team member LCpl Alex Wilburn, who arrived just in time to see him perform.
Mrs Stubbs, of Staffordshire, said: "Nine of us have travelled to Telford to see Alex jump. It's the first time I've seen him in action. It was mixed emotions seeing him doing it.
"We're looking forward to enjoying the rest of the show."
Other delighted visitors also took to social media to post comments about the weekend show.
Tim Preston posted on Twitter: "A bit of a last minute decision to head up to the Telford Balloon Fiesta at Telford Town Park. So glad we did though. Huge hot air balloons lit up by their burners in time with music was a pretty impressive sight."
Organisers at Telford & Wrekin Council expected about 40,000 people to turn out for the return of the hot air balloons this time after about 30,000 attended last year's event to mark the town's 50th anniversary celebrations.
The event continues today.
