THOUSANDS of people are expected to descend on Blackwood for this weekend's Big Balloon festival.

And organisers will be hoping for some fine weather after last week's unseasonable downpours.

Balloons of all shapes, sizes and colours will gather at the Blackwood Showfields over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Last year the free event attracted more than 25,000 visitors and despite cloudy weather there were successful launches on both days, as well as a mass launch on Saturday.

This year Caerphilly borough council says it is expecting up to 35,000 visitors, and there are mass launches scheduled for all three days at 7am and 6pm - weather permitting.

Saturday's big launch will be followed by a 'nightglow' and firework display.

Alongside the balloon bonanza there's a mix of family entertainment, including a funfair boasting white knuckle rides and live music performances each evening, and Sunday afternoon.

Aberdare folk rockers Celtic Spirit are on the bill, as well as Nolfolk rock'n'roll outfit Broad Side.

On-site facilities include toilets, a food court, various refreshment stalls, and information centre.

There is disabled access from all entrances, as well as designated parking on site.

Standard parking is limited on-site, so there are additional facilities at Britannia Fields, approximately 300 yards from the site. Parking for the day costs £3.

There are regular trains form Cardiff and Caerphilly to Ystrad Mynach station, with a bus link to Blackwood bus station.

Service 14 operated by Islwyn Borough Transport and Harris Coaches runs throughout the day every 20 minutes, from the bus station to the showfield site.

There are also regular buses from Abertillery, Cardiff, Cwmbran, Newport, Pontypridd and Tredegar.

The funfair starts at 11am each day, and the ground is open until 10.15pm on Saturday, and 7pm on Sunday and Monday. For more information call Caerphilly council tourism on 01443 815588, or visit the website at www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bigballoon