SKIES over the city will be populated by bright hot air balloons this weekend as part of York Balloon Fiesta.

The spectacular display will see 50 colourful hot air balloons take off from the Knavesmire. The sky will be lit up by a dazzling balloon night glow event on Friday and Saturday evening and there will also be a fireworks show on Saturday.

There will also be live music, a fun fair, activities for children and street food stalls.

PICTURE GALLERY: Stunning photos from Press Camera Club members of the York Balloon Fiesta 2017

Festival organiser Oliver Webb said: “We learnt a lot from last year’s festival which had enormous success. We have 50 balloons signed up to participate and a whole host of new activities over the weekend. The night glow was so successful last year that we have extended this to both evenings this year and I am thrilled that we’ll be adding a firework display too."

The festival, sponsored by TalkTalk, opens at 3pm on Friday. Visit yorkballoonfiesta.co.uk.