Darth Vader balloon takes to the skies above England

[August 12, 2019]    LONDON (Reuters) - A huge Darth Vader mask balloon took to the skies over the western English port of Bristol on Thursday as the city's annual balloon festival began.

A balloon shaped as the head of fictional Star Wars film character Darth Vader is seen flying at the annual Bristol hot air balloon festival in Bristol, Britain, August 8, 2019. REUTERS/Toby Melville

The Star Wars-themed balloon took part following a crowdfunding campaign that saw visitors pledge 5,255 pounds ($6,383) for its appearance.

"The Darth Vader special shape hot air balloon was built in Bristol by Cameron Balloons but has never flown in this fine city," the organizers said on crowdfunding website FundSurfer.

Europe’s largest ballooning event features four days of displays, with more than 130 colorful hot air balloons from around the world.

(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill; editing by Stephen Addison)

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