91Èȱ¬

Balloonists have captured aerial photos of Nottingham's famous Goose Fair during two "epic" flights.

Nottingham and Derby Hot Air Balloon Club launched two balloons from Bramcote Park then drifted towards the Forest Recreation Ground, where the fair is held.

It was a rare opportunity to fly close to the annual event, because doing so is dependant on weather conditions and wind direction.

The last time the club was able to successfully fly over Goose Fair was eight years ago in 2015.

Club member Robin Macey said: "We launched from Bramcote Park as the predicted winds looked like they would go close to Goose Fair.

"As wind direction can vary slightly at different heights the pilots tested the direction at different heights to steer as close as possible to the fair."

Mr Macey was in a yellow balloon, which went slightly north over Forest Fields, but he said they "still had great views of the fair".

Another balloon, which was green and white, went directly over the fair.

The green and white balloon landed after 80 minutes just before Southwell, while the yellow one flew for one hour 40 minutes and went directly over Southwell Minster, then landed just before Newark.

Goose Fair is a popular location for people to take aerial photos with drones, but a "no-fly zone" was imposed for drones this year.

Using hot air balloons is the earliest form of aerial photography and predates drone photography by about 150 years.

Drones are only legally allowed to fly up to 400ft, but hot air balloons can fly at several thousand feet.

Members of Nottingham and Derby Hot Air Balloon Club, which was founded in 1978, believe it is the only balloon club in the UK with membership open to the general public.

They take turns being on-the-ground crew and then flying on future outings.

Mr Macey said they were always happy to hear from anyone interested in getting involved in ballooning, and they can contact the group .

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