Bertie Bassett and Sonic the Hedgehog will be among the colourful figures to float above the city's historic skyline this weekend as the Oxford Balloon Fiesta 2002 takes off.
Balloonists get set for fun at last year's fiesta
The fiesta is a spectacular family event in which hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes will fire up their burners for a mass launch at 6am and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12.
The balloons will make their elegant ascent into the skies from Cutteslowe Park.
Tethered balloons will be on show throughout the weekend.
Other aerial entertainment includes parachute drops, stunt kite flying and kite buggying.
On firm ground, Kangaroos Gymnastic Display members will show off their skills, there'll be high speed mountain bike stunts from Jez Avery, and demonstrations of medieval combat.
Those who enjoy an adrenaline rush can try the zip wire.
The weekend wouldn't be complete without all the fun of the fair, provided by Hebborn Amusements, Oxford's family-owned funfair business, which was established in 1912.
Clowns, stilt walkers, jugglers and magicians will entertain the crowds in the park.
The fiesta, which is the biggest event in this year's line-up of Fun In The Parks, is in its fifth year and is likely to attract about 50,000 people.
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