A HOT air balloon display drew the crowds to Middlesbrough at the weekend.

However, its popularity proved to be a problem with hundreds of visitors queuing for more than an hour to get into Stewart Park on Saturday for the Balloons and Tunes Festival.

And with the strong winds also causing delays, the crowds had to rely on fairground rides and music for their entertainment.

Katherine Marsh, Anthony Hannaway, Lucy Wintringham and Susan Marsh brought their families along to the event, including children Ethan Baldwin, Grace Hannaway, Megan Marsh, Amelia Marsh, as well as Becky and Alex McClelland.

Katherine Marsh, from Coulby Newham, said: “It’s a fun family day out. We like getting together as a family. We came prepared to make sure we had plenty for the kids to eat and plenty to keep them entertained.”

Alongside the balloons, the Tunes stage featured a host of tribute artists to chart-toppers such as Rihanna, Take That and Beyonce.

Youngsters also got to enjoy mini circus performances with clowns, jugglers, magic and the incredible ‘Dance of the Lobsters’ show.