GIANT, multicoloured hot-air balloons filled the sky over Newcastle Racecourse as part of an annual event at the weekend.

This year's Balloon Festival brought the usual crowds to the Gosforth racecourse to catch a glimpse of the larger-than-life exhibits.

The event's highlight was Saturday evening's night glow, when the balloons took on a dusk-time "glow" to the accompaniment of music, lasers and a fireworks finale.

Fifteen exhibits from across the country, sponsored by firms including National Power and Bassett, featured in the balloon festival