"THE WORLD is a nicer place, in my beautiful balloon. It wears a nicer face in my beautiful balloon.

"We can sing a song, and sail along the silver sky, for we can fly..." So the Supremes sang, among others, and while someone should tell Richard Branson balloons aren't exactly an optimal mode of transport, they're still fun.

And the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, which celebrates its silver anniversary next month, is the best place to see more than 100 hot-air balloons in action. Founded in 1978 when balloon manufacturer Don Cameron gathered a group of enthusiasts to celebrate their hobby, the Fiesta has grown year on year and more than half a million people are expected to attend over four days.

Beginning on Thursday, August 7, with a Special Shapes Rodeo, a mass ascent of comically shaped balloons including old favourite Bertie Bassett, the British Gas flame, the green beast of Monster.com and new addition Costa Rica Coffee, which I'm betting is either a bean or a jar.

In the evening on both Thursday and Saturday, the second added due to its popularity, you can catch the magical spectacle of the Night Glow.

Thirty tethered balloons use their burners to light up like giant lightbulbs to create patterns against the dark sky, all set to a sequence of music. The illuminating display, expertly choreographed using only the three commands - burn, flicker and flash - available to the balloonists, leads to a dramatic firework-display finale.

Anyone wanting to catch the Night Glow should make sure they get to their vantage point by 6pm, but a day at the Fiesta really can last all day, from the 6am balloon launch until the end of the fireworks at about 10.30pm.

The 25th Bristol Balloon Fiesta runs from August 7 to August 10 in the Ashton Court Park Estate. For more information visit www.bristolfiesta.co.uk.