The two-day Oxford Balloon Fiesta, sponsored by the Oxford Mail, attracted more than 50,000 spectators.

An exciting programme drew them to Cutteslowe Park amid the hottest temperatures of the year so far.

Burners light the night for the Nightglow Extravaganza

The balloons had to stay tethered to the ground in case they landed on farmland and breached foot and mouth restrictions. But visitors were still treated to a spectacle as balloons of various shapes and sizes filled the main arena. They included Bertie Bassett, a pack of toilet rolls and a giant strawberry.

Seven tethered balloons lined up for Saturday night's Nightglow Extravaganza. They were lit up by the flames of their burners to a background of classical music.

The crowd was also treated to a fireworks display and Aerial Enterprise's acrobats performed in fluorescent costumes picked out by searchlights.

Glowing white balloons on both sides of the arena illuminated the show, resembling full moons, and the trees behind were flood-lit.

"It was a wonderful display," said Philip and Linda Fleming, from Garford, near Abingdon. "We'll certainly come next time."

After the finale, Neil Pickett, of Special FX Show Production, said: "We are ecstatic. It went very smoothly."

Other attractions included fairground rides, Egyptian dancing, a falconry display, helicopter rides and a miniature railway.

David and Kate Lee, of Ambleside Drive, Headington, said: "It's been a glorious day, very relaxing."

Maria Barnard, from Shepherd's Hill, Greater Leys, enjoyed the event with her husband Paul and their children Tommy, six, and Jemma, ten. She said: "We try to go every year. but we liked this year's best."

Michael and Becky Huth, of Templar Road, Cutteslowe, brought a group of 15 friends and children.

Mr Huth said: "There's been a great family atmosphere, with everyone bringing picnics."

Bungee jumpers paying £45 a go helped raise £5,000 for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust and escapologist Kondini got out of a strait-jacket in two and a half minutes.

Unfortunately, Melton Mowbray, the fire-eater who lifts hot-air balloons off the ground by breathing fire, had to cancel an attempt to break his own world record. "They won't let me use their balloons," he said.

The event ended yesterday Sunday with the inflation of a giant FA Cup-shaped balloon.

Anna Dolan, Oxford City Council's events officer, said: "We'll be back here next year with more balloons and balloon flights."