My second set of photos from the 2026 Canberra Balloon Festival.

The balloon remains semi-inflated, reclined out along the grassy field and reminding me of a giant washed up jellyfish. The deafening drone of the industrial-sized fans used to inflate the balloon’s envelope finally stops.
For a few moments, a silence rushes in and seems to gently rock the balloon from side to side.

The pilot peers into the envelope with intense concentration. One hand on the valve lever below one of the 4 spiraling gas burners. There is an anticipation among all of us standing there.

The pilot checks his watch. He looks to the left. Then to the right. Satisfied all is well…. with a magnificent woosh, the burner spits dragonfire into the dawn.

The balloon engorges with florescent light, slowly lifting, alive and ready to fly.

This is what we came to see. Those of us up early and and driving here and wishing we had packed a thermos. This is the money shot.

Now all around us dragons are stirring.