ORGANISERS of a balloon festival are hailing the inaugural event a success despite bad weather leaving some disappointed.

Balloons InDurham, which took place between Friday and Sunday, saw dozens of the craft take to the skies above the city on Saturday.

Early risers were rewarded with serene images of the balloons flying about Durham – but hours later other events were delayed or cancelled because of thunder storms.

Mass launches on Sunday also had to be cancelled because of wind – though three balloons did manage to get off the ground in the evening – and the final event on Monday also had to be cancelled because of rain.

Instead, while balloons were grounded children were able to climb in baskets and had the chance to turn on the jets of flame which keep the balloons afloat.

The event was organised by the Durham Business Improvement District (Bid) which is hopeful that the festival will return to the city next year.

Keith Bartlett, Bid chairman, said: “It’s gone really well. I think we have learned a lot about balloons and the weather. I certainly know more about weather fronts and air pressure than before.

“The weather is the ruler in this event and we could only launch when it was safe. The teams were keeping everyone well informed about the weather and we’ve all learned a lot.”

Thousands of visitors were able to enjoy the spectacle of a balloon glow at Houghall College on Saturday and illuminated tethers on Palace Green on Sunday.

Mr Bartlett added: “The mass launch was phenomenal and it was wonderful to see the balloons over the peninsula.

“We had more than 1,000 people watching balloons on Palace Green which was tremendous. People seem to have enjoyed themselves and they want to see more.

“I think anyone who came to visit Durham this weekend will have got a good show.”

The Bid is running further events in Durham throughout the half term holiday, including a summer fete in the city centre, which starts tomorrow and goes on until Friday, June 2.