IT WAS up up and away for Burnley's Balloon Festival as the bank holiday spectacular proved to be a soaraway success.

More than 30,000 people were estimated to have visited the two-day event, held in the grounds of Towneley Hall and staged to jointly celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee, the centenary of the opening of Towneley Park and the opening of a new wing at Towneley Hall.

The festival was a riot of colour and excitement as more than 20 balloons, with shapes ranging from beer glasses to Bertie Bassett, took to the air in a mass launch.

On Saturday night there was also a spectacular 'Nightglow' with many balloons lit up to music and a dazzling firework finale.

Other entertainment on offer at the North West's only balloon festival this year included a huge arts and crafts tent, a fun fair, quad bikes, a bucking bronco, children's play area and choice of live music.

Among the vistors was Liz Reid, 33, of Hargrove Avenue, Burnley, who took her five-year-old son Thomas to enjoy the spectacular sights.

She said: "The balloons were amazing. It has been great for Tom because he's never seen anything like it before."

Another impressed visitor was Martin Stratford, 42, of Brown Street, Accrington.

He said: "I've been very impressed with the whole thing. There was something for everyone. I hope this event can be staged every year. It has been a marvellous experience."