Top 10 balloon festivals in the world

Our pick of the most spectacular gatherings, ranked for sheer wow factor.

1. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States · First full week of October
2. Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Bristol, United Kingdom · Second weekend of August
3. Saga International Balloon Fiesta Saga, Japan · Late autumn (typically early November)
4. International Hot-Air Balloon Festival in Château-d'Œx Château-d'Œx, Switzerland · Late January
5. Great Reno Balloon Race Reno, Nevada, United States · Early September
6. Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta Angeles City, Philippines · Second week of February
7. European Balloon Festival Igualada, Catalonia, Spain · First fortnight of July
8. Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Festival Taunggyi, Shan State, Myanmar · Full moon of Tazaungmon (November)
9. Canberra Balloon Spectacular Canberra, Australia · Mid-March
10. Balloons over Waikato Hamilton, North Island, New Zealand · Autumn (March)