(17 Jan 1998) English/Nat
An annual hot-air ballooning event is underway in Switzerland.
The week-long festival has attracted more than 100 balloons from around the world.
A visual feast.
The vibrant colours of balloons from around the world marked a spectacular start to the festival on Saturday.
The annual week-long ballooning festival began over Chateau d'Oex in Switzerland on Saturday.
More than 100 balloons from various countries from Europe and the U-S are taking part.
And for some balloonists, the event has a special significance.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It's very important for me. I came each year since 1979, since the first one, and it's in Chateau d'Oex that I entered into the world of ballooning, and each time I come here it's like a pilgrimage."
SUPER CAPTION: Bernard Piccard, Swiss balloonist of Orbiter 2
The gathering provides an excellent opportunity for companies to display their wares for all to see - on the canvas of a balloon.
It all makes for a very exciting display of colour and size.
But there was a brief reminder of the dangers that can be involved in hot-air ballooning - when a burst of flame burnt a hole in the balloon.
While some companies concentrate on exposure for certain products, others use their balloons to offer representations of culture and tradition, like this balloon from the Scottish team.
Russia is using the festival to unveil a prototype balloon for a future round-the-world record attempt.
With so many attempts to circumnavigate the globe in a balloon of late, this year's festival can hardly fail to attract interest.
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