Hot air balloons have been a defining feature of Bristol’s skyline for nearly 60 years.

The city is the birthplace of the modern hot air balloon, dating back to 1967 when the Bristol Belle was built and flown in the area.

Over the years, many weird and wonderfully shaped balloons have graced the skies – some of which have made regular appearances at balloon festivals in the UK and around the world.

With the 48th edition of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta returning from 7-9 August, here is a roundup of some of the most wacky shapes.

Towering over the launch field in full Highland dress, the Scottish Piper has been turning heads since 1997.

Created by Bristol’s Cameron Balloons simply “for fun”, the 150ft (46m) giant has become a familiar face at festivals from Bristol to Switzerland’s Chateau d’Oex.

No mass ascent feels quite complete without Slick the Dragon. The giant green character, complete with distinctive blue shirt, has become one of the most-loved regulars on the UK ballooning circuit, delighting crowds wherever he lands.

Oggy the Friendly Dragon is one of the UK’s largest special-shape hot air balloons, towering at around 143ft (43.6m) tall. His big smile and bright colours make him a fan-favourite at Bristol’s annual fiesta.

Frozen forever in mid-skydive, Action Man looks as though he has leapt from an aircraft rather than risen gently from a field.

Built by Cameron Balloons in 1997 and later restored by MJ Ballooning, the Action Man balloon is one of the most complex special shapes around.

Due to his ageing fabric, he now usually appears tethered rather than taking to the skies.

Claiming to be from the fictional planet Zurcon, Astro the Alien has become a familiar face at UK balloon festivals. He often appears alongside his “Alien Probe” companion at balloon festivals across the country.

This year Astrina the Alien will accompany Astro to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, adding another out-of-this-world character to the skies.

Making its way over from the Netherlands, this impressive train-shaped balloon will bring a touch of railway magic to this year’s balloon fiesta.

Perhaps no balloon captures Bristol’s character better than Wallace & Gromit’s Moon Rocket.

Created by Exclusive Ballooning in partnership with Aardman, it combines two of the city’s best-known exports – animation and ballooning. Flown to raise money for the Grand Appeal, the balloon is regularly spotted around the south-west.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.