THOUSANDS of people turned out to watch the spectacle of hot air balloons glowing in the night sky.

The event was part of Balloons InDurham, a four-day festival featuring mass launches, tethers and flights across the city.

The Northern Echo:

FLIGHT: Hot air balloons gently drift across Durham, with its famous cathedral far below. Picture: North News

Thundery showers lifted on Saturday night for what was billed as one of the highlights of the festival – a balloon glow featuring around a dozen balloons which were illuminated in time to music.

The field at East Durham College’s Houghall Campus was crowded with people having a look and taking photographs of the spectacle and children dancing to the music.

Among the balloons on display was one produced by the Phileas Fogg crisp factory in Consett, which was inflated for the first time in 14 years.

A spokesperson from Durham Business Improvement District (Bid), which organised the festival, said: “We’re so pleased with the turnout. It’s brilliant to see so many people here.”

Flight director Mark Stellings said: “It’s a fantastic spectacle.”

Following disappointment at the launch on Friday night, when wind prevented balloons from taking off, early risers were rewarded on Saturday with the sight of around 20 brightly coloured silks floating above the city.

Thunder storms on Saturday delayed the programme of events and meant the second evening launch also had to be cancelled.

Organisers say they expect tonight's (Sunday) events to take place as planned, though they added that due to wind not all balloons would be able to take off. 

The final event of the festival is due to be another mass balloon launch from 6.30am in the morning (Monday), which will go ahead weather permitting.