Up, up and away - balloons take flight ahead of the Berkshire Balloon Fiesta at Newbury Showground

It was up, up and away at Newbury Showground this morning as a host of balloons took an early morning flight over West Berkshire.

The mass ascent heralded the start of an exciting day of activities as the Berkshire Balloon Fiesta and Action Extravaganza is hosted for the first time at the Chieveley venue.

The early morning ascent saw the sky fill with hot air balloons above Newbury just after 6am and our photographer Phil Cannings was there to capture these photos and video as it happened.

The show runs from 11am to 10.30pm today (Saturday) and organisers promise a day of "hot air balloons, death defying demonstrations, adrenaline fuelled stunts and a full action extravaganza".

There promises to be many activities available for the whole family, including hot air balloon displays, a fireworks display, helicopter rides, falconry displays and a circus workshop.

Balloon fans are in for a treat as, weather permitting, there will be a morning and evening balloon fly out as well as a balloon night glow.

Parking is available onsite and tickets are available on the day.