THOUSANDS of pairs of eyes were strained skywards at the weekend as up to 30 hot air balloons took to the sky.
Adding to the spectacle put on by the British Balloon and Airship Club were balloons in the shape of a giant glass of lager, a huge battery and a block of cheese on roller skates and wearing sunglasses.
The visit was organised by KC Promotions as part of a national tour.
One of the pilots navigating a balloon between Stewart Park, Middlesbrough, and Preston Park, Stockton, was a Belgian Government worker who had travelled by car from his home country especially for the Teesside event.
The balloon festival featured competitions for the pilots, testing their navigational and control skills.
Other attractions on the day included fairground rides and quad biking.
Visitors to the event could also take part in a competition to win a car.
Music was provided during the two-day event, with fireworks lighting up a show involving the balloons on Saturday evening.
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