Moment nearly 50 hot air balloons drifted across London as part of annual regatta

Nearly 50 hot air balloons filled London skies today as part of an annual regatta in aid of the Lord Mayor's Fund.

The charity event seeks to raise awareness of the Lord Mayor's appeal and this year saw 46 of the colourful aircraft floating above the capital's skyline.

Pictures taken by photographers show the balloons flying over many of London's landmarks.

Launching from Albany Road, Burgess Park, at 5am the pilots steered their hot air balloons on the east side of Tower Bridge over the Thames, and then north of Canary Wharf before flying past the O2 Arena.

This type of fundraiser, known as Exclusive Ballooning, has a track record of helping to raise more than £7,000,000 for UK charities.

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Last year 40 balloons took off on June 7, marking the first time in over twenty years that a mass ascent has flown in London.

Commenting on the historic 2015 launch, The Lord Mayor of London said: "(The event) combines commerce and community 1000 feet above London!

"What a wonderful continuation of the City of London’s heritage in showcasing the best of our society in the Lord Mayor’s Show.

"First on water, then on land, and now we’re taking responsible business to the skies!"

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