Because this morning Pete will take to the skies - in an armchair. That's right, an armchair. Suspended beneath a hot air balloon.  See pictures from today's flight over the city
Is he mad? Well perhaps, but this is no ordinary armchair. It is the latest addition to the anunual spectacular that is the International Balloon Fiesta. To mark the introduction of Swedish flat-pack supremos IKEA as the event sponsor, this year will see two new balloons at the fiesta. Perfect view One is a special shape in the form of an cushion and the other, a one-person 'hopper' balloon with an armchair instead of a basket. And it is this balloon which Pete will be 'modelling' above the skies of Bristol. Firmly strapped in - and having traded those walking boots for comfy slippers, Pete said: "I want an armchair view of Bristol, and what better way to do that than from balloon. "I've got everything I need - my tea [in a mug with balloons on, of course], my paper, so I can check the weather. "The only problem is I don't like getting my slippers wet!" Final checks complete and he is off, floating across the city skyline. Well, it is summer, and this is Bristol, so people are used to the sight of a clutch of balloons rising above the rooftops. Special shapes Even so, visitors to the Fiesta are in for a treat in a few weeks' time. This year's free fiesta runs from Thursday 12 August to Sunday 15 August. Kicking off with a pop concert which in previous years has featured the likes of Busted, Atomic Kitten, Blue and Steps, Thursday evening will see a host of special shape balloons take to the skies. The fun will continue on into the night with the traditional 'glow' and firework display. The first of the weekend's six planned mass launches - featuring up to 120 balloons - takes place early on Friday morning before a wide variety of acts, including dog shows, sports displays and even a band playing instruments made of industrial junk take over the main arena. Saturday will see more launches and arena acts as well as the final of the Sennheiser Unsigned Artists Contest. On Sunday there will be two final balloon launches and a classical music concert before the final glow and fireworks show. And of course the BBC Bristol web team will be at the fiesta to bring you all the live streaming, news and photos of the event. | 
