Hot air balloons, fireworks and aerial displays have filled the skies above Longleat to mark the safari park's 60th anniversary.

Celebrations at the Wiltshire attraction have been under way since Friday, with crowds gathering in their thousands to take in the sights.

Longleat opened six decades ago in 1966, and it has also been 50 years since the site hosted its first ever ballooning event.

Scott Ashman, head of operations at the safari park, said Saturday had been a "great second day" for the Icons of the Skies event.

Crowds gathered to watch fireworks over the iconic Longleat House [Longleat]
Crowds gathered to watch fireworks over the iconic Longleat House [Longleat]
The T6 Harvard took part in Saturday's aerial display [Longleat]
The T6 Harvard took part in Saturday's aerial display [Longleat]

As well as the hot air balloons, a number of other aerial displays including G Force Aerobatics and the RAF Falcons filled the skies above the park's stately home.

It was wonderful to welcome the RAF Falcons back for their high-intensity parachute display which was truly breathtaking," said Ashman.

"And to have the animals captured on film also watching the displays is quite incredible."

No celebration would be complete without a birthday cake [Tom Anders]
No celebration would be complete without a birthday cake [Tom Anders]
A giant Cornetto was among the special shapes involved in the weekend festivities [Claire Hartley]
A giant Cornetto was among the special shapes involved in the weekend festivities [Claire Hartley]
G Force Aerobatics were part of the display team taking part in the air show [Longleat]
G Force Aerobatics were part of the display team taking part in the air show [Longleat]

Longleat was the first safari park outside of Africa to open to the public. Today, the estate houses more than 120 species of critically endangered or vulnerable wild animals.

Sunday is the final day of celebrations marking the anniversary.

The RAF Falcons entertained the crowds during a display on Saturday [Longleat]
The RAF Falcons entertained the crowds during a display on Saturday [Longleat]
Simbaloo and Adelaide, the Longleat balloons, went on display on Saturday [Longleat]
Simbaloo and Adelaide, the Longleat balloons, went on display on Saturday [Longleat]
While balloon flights were restricted due to wind speeds, the pyrotechnic display was able to go ahead [Longleat]
While balloon flights were restricted due to wind speeds, the pyrotechnic display was able to go ahead [Longleat]

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

Balloons over safari park begin aviation spectacle

In pictures: Birthday nightglow and a Royal visitor