COLOURFUL hot air balloons will be launched over a Gwent town this weekend as the annual Big Balloon Festival comes to Blackwood.

The free Bank Holiday event, when hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes take to the skies, attracted 35,000 visitors last year.

And organisers are now hoping that this year's festival - being staged from August 27 to 29 - will be bigger and better than ever before. Caerphilly council has arranged the event as a spectacular finale to its summer entertainment programme.

Now it is urging local people to come along and take part in the festivities at the Showfield - and says it is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

The highlights of the weekend - being held for the third year in a row - include the Saturday evening firework display, which attracts thousands of people.

And, of course, the mass launches of the hot-air balloons are also extremely popular with the crowds.

These are planned for twice a day - at 7am and 5.30pm on Saturday and 7am and 6pm on Sunday and Monday - depending on weather conditions.

It is expected that 20 balloons, from the company PCH Skypower, will be launched.

The council says that there will also be a variety of activities, including funfair rides, live music and performances by street entertainers, on offer. Various food and crafts stalls will also be put up on the site.

For further details, telephone 029 2088 0011 or visit the Big Balloon website at www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bigballoon