1 / 4   A carnival for balloon lovers! The 2018 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta took off on Thursday in Bristol, England, as four days full of hot air ballooning fun./VCG Photo

2 / 4   This year marks the 40 years since the founder Don Cameron first came up with the idea in 1979, with 27 balloons taking off in the year. To celebrate the anniversary, 40 special-shaped balloons appeared in the festival this year, including Rupert the Bear, Mr. Peanut and the Michelin Man. /VCG Photo

3 / 4   Besides the 40 special balloons, another 100 hot air balloons will take off at dawn and dusk during the festival as well as the famous Night Glows, when the balloons light up the sky. The Night Glows have traditionally been the highlights for the whole festival. /VCG Photo

4 / 4   About 500,000 people are expected to attend the festival. Can you find your favorite hot air balloons? /VCG Photo