WINDY weather has punctured hopes of a flying start to County Durham's first ever balloon festival.

Hundreds of people gathered in Durham last night in the hope of seeing brightly coloured silks floating in the skies above the city.

But high temperatures meant it was too windy for the balloons to launch. Instead ,visitors had to be content with watching several of the balloons inflated while remaining tethered to the ground.

Organisers are confident some of the events planned will still take place, but said unsettled weather predicted for Saturday meant flights might be cancelled.

It is hoped one of the highlights - a balloon glow where balloons will be illuminated and will rise and fall in time to music - will take place.

Flight director Mark Stellings said: "The problem is the heat is generating wind, but towards the end of the weekend it's looking good.

I'm confident we'll get a glow, which is a fantastic spectacle.

"Sunday night and Monday morning are looking brilliant."

It is hoped the festival, which will run until Monday, will feature early morning and evening launches, a display of illuminated balloons and the chance for people to go for a flight.

Balloon launches will take place from East Durham College’s Houghall campus, off the A177 between Durham and Shincliffe, with tethered balloon events also planned for Palace Green, outside Durham Cathedral.

With thunder storms forecast, visitors are being advised to check for updates as wet or windy weather may result in events being cancelled.

The event is being organised by Durham Business Improvement District (BID).

A BID spokeswomen said: "We're really excited about this. It's the first time a balloon festival of this scale has come to the North-East and it's brilliant it's in Durham.

"Unfortunately, we can't control the weather, but even if we don't get flights there's plenty to see with balloon demos, a fun fair and a huge field to let of steam."

Changes to the timetable will be available from durhambid.co.uk/balloons