Hot air Darth Vader takes to Bristol skies as part of balloon fiesta

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta began today (August 8) and saw a huge Darth Vader travel across the city's sky.

The special-shaped hot air balloon in the shape of Darth Vader’s head flew over the city.

This was born to mark the first mass ascent of the 41st Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

The balloon usually resides in Belgium after being built in Bristol in 2007.

This morning was the first time the balloon flew over the city in which it was made.

The filmer - Colin Moody - said of the "Star Wars" themed ballon: "This hot air balloon was made here in Bristol many years ago but has never been seen above us in the sky ... until now."

With bad weekend weather anticipated, organisers scheduled an additional mass this morning.