After three incredible days, the fiesta has finished for another year.

Organisers say an estimated 300,000 spectators went to Ashton Court Estate to experience five mass ascents, almost 400 balloon flights, two Nightglows and three world record attempts.

There was even a marriage proposal thrown in during one of the nightglows.

Our live coverage is now coming to an end, but you can revisit all of the best moments from the fiesta here.

Well that was a unique way to bring the fiesta to a close.

Watch as a bagpipe band marches across the fields as balloonists fire their burners.

Although it’s a shame the balloons won’t be heading up tonight, the crowd here at Ashton Court Estate erupted in cheers as the decision was announced in a very different way, with a pipe band marching past balloons firing their burners.

And everyone applauded the pilots and crews after another incredible fiesta.

The flight control team have made the decision to not fly because it's too windy to safely go up.

According to the weather forecast, there are 24/25mph gusts at ground level.

And whatever the wind speed on the ground, the conditions can be worse up in the air.

This isn't the news anyone wanted...

We almost had a full house, but it's just been announced that the balloons will not take off tonight as it's too windy.

From Bridgwater Road to The Downs, Perrett Park and Troopers Hill, we can feel the disappointment of all those who had gathered at their favourite vantage points hoping to see the balloons.

This is the scene at Ashton Court Estate right now.

The mass ascent is looking less likely.

The past two nights we've had dozens of cars and balloon envelopes laid out on the field ready to be inflated for take-off.

Still no confirmation yet, so stand by.

The Sky Arena has been empty for a while, but there's movement there once again as the balloon teams are setting things up for the closing ceremony.

There's cars with trailers and balloon baskets dotted across the field and people working away.

Remember, we don't have a final decision on tonight's mass ascent yet.

If it doesn't happen, we'll go straight into the closing ceremony in about half an hour.

Many of you have been sending your photos of the balloons over Bristol throughout the weekend. Here's another selection.

Image source, Lydia Jefferies

Image source, George Bladon

Image source, Catherine Shelton

As we've already heard from the organisers, it's unlikely that tonight's mass ascent will go ahead.

BBC Radio Bristol's Adam Crowther reiterated the news to the crowd over the tannoy. It's safe to say there's disappointment here.

The pilots will have their briefing at about 18:00 and make the final decision then.

We'll keep you up to date on everything going on here.

The sun is still shining, but winds are starting to pick up at Ashton Court.

Although a final decision has not been made, the event's organisers have announced on social media that it's unlikely there'll be a mass ascent this evening.

A final decision will be made at their 18:00 BST pilot briefing.

Other entertainment is ongoing however and whatever happens there will be a closing ceremony at the time of the mass launch.

Chloe Harcombe
Live page reporter at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Image source, Paul Box

Even though it's still two years away, the organisers are looking ahead to the event's 50th anniversary.

It's faced some challenging years financially, but Ben Hardy, the executive director, is optimistic about the growth of the fiesta.

"We created a strategy a few years ago and we want to make sure that the fiesta gets to its 50th anniversary. I'm sure that a lot of what's happened this weekend will contribute to that," Hardy says.

He adds that the team has already started to think about the 50th edition and teased that they hope the city can "embrace" its connections with hot air balloons and "how we might manifest that in all sorts of different ways".

Chloe Harcombe
Live page reporter at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Although the event only lasts three days, planning the fiesta is a year-long job for the team. Once they wrap up tonight, they'll start thinking ahead for next year.

Executive director Ben Hardy says the whole team will go into a "period of debrief and review" with their partners, which include Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, the emergency services and the contractors on site.

"We'll be gathering everyone's feedback and seeing if we need to amend any of our plans," Hardy says.

Next up - counting down to the 50th fiesta.

Chloe Harcombe
Live page reporter at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Image source, Getty Images

The fiesta is always a popular event in the calendar, but the warm and sunny weather attracted a record attendance to Ashton Court Estate this year.

If you've ever been to the site, you may know how busy it can be when it comes to leaving. Last night in particular was busy due to the nightglow, and many people took to social media to share their experiences and footage of the queues to leave.

The fiesta team monitors the crowd numbers and enforces mitigation when needed, like yesterday when the site reached full capacity.

Ben Hardy, executive director of the event, says it was "really busy" with "record" numbers.

"Sadly the shuttle bus services were suspended.

"We'd already informed everyone that our parking was sold out... so that limited those numbers.

"Of course, after the mass ascent, lots of people had been here all afternoon and had left, so it was busy here, but very comfortable," he adds.

Up next from our interview with Hardy - what next for the fiesta?

Chloe Harcombe
Live page reporter at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

We've just heard from Ben Hardy, who is the executive director of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

He says the team and balloonists have "had a lot of fun", especially with the success of the five mass ascents so far.

In recent years, the event has faced financial challenges, but Hardy says it's now in "a much healthier position".

"2022 and 2023 were really tough, we lost a lot of money... but this year certainly has been a better year and I hope that we have at least broken even," he adds.

Stay with us, we'll have more from the interview with Hardy - including about the size of the crowds on Saturday.

We've spoken to a few of you who are currently at the fiesta site.

The Cooper family came to the fiesta this morning. Sally Cooper says they all "love" the fiesta.

She adds that they will try to make it until the evening ascent - they brought loads of water.

"I can't believe how many food places there are, you're spoiled for choice."

Megan and Ed won a ticket to go up in a balloon during the evening ascent.

She says she's excited despite her fear of heights.

Chloe Harcombe
Live page reporter at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

It's certainly warmed up in the last 24 hours. My phone says it is currently 27C here on Ashton Court Estate.

The crowd is significantly smaller today, but it is still early. Perhaps people are waiting for the final mass ascent - weather permitting of course.

Many people on site are huddled under parasols to try and stay cool, while others have handheld fans on full power.

Nivea, in partnership with the Brizzle Kicks Stage, is giving out free suncream samples as well as advice for staying safe.

Organisers have advised visitors to wear a hat, take regular breaks from the sun, reapply SPF and keep hydrated.

There's plenty of bars and free refillable water points around the site, so visitors can bring a reusable bottle and keep it topped up.

Chloe Harcombe
Live page reporter at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta

We are between mass ascents but there are other things to entertain the crowds. Currently the Rockets Motorbike Team are in the middle of the arena showing off their skills.

They're riding up the ramp in pairs before jumping between a fence of fire.

Very impressive!

Away from the launch arena, dozens of charities have a presence at the fiesta.

Victoria Thorpe, from the charity CMT UK, is going to host a meet-up for kids with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

"It affects things like muscle wastage and we support anyone whether you've got it yourself or a friend," Victoria says.

"My sister was diagnosed when she was two. She uses a wheelchair when she's out and about.

"Our main aim is just to meet in person and do all the activities they can maybe not do when they go on a school trip. We make it all accessible and possible for the kids."

Some of you have sent us some amazing pictures of the balloons you spotted across the city this morning!

Image source, Joe Walsh

Image source, Lydia Jefferies

Image source, Peter Elliott

It has been 20 years, but long-time fiesta attendees may remember the Orient Express special shape floating over the city in years past.

The balloon has been brought back to Bristol by collector Gerard van der Pluijm, from Holland, who helps preserve more than 100 balloons including 30 special shapes.

"I love it because it's childhood memories for me," said van der Pluijm. "When I was a child I saw it flying so I think it would just be nice to show it to as many people as possible, for as long as possible."

"You don't see many of these complex shapes anymore."

But how do you preserve a balloon that hasn't flown in a decade?

"We are just nice and gentle with it, and take it out from time to time not too often - at least two or three times a year," he explained.

Van der Pluijm, who has been ballooning since he was a toddler, now runs commercial balloon flights for 16 people at a time - but says putting up a special shape like the Orient Express is far more stressful.

"In the moment I'm just focused, I'm more relieved when everything is down again and everything ends well," he said.

"It's a bit tiring - doing this for 50 minutes is more tiring than flying a commercial 16 person [balloon]."