This year, Germany's Ruhr Region is the European Capital of Culture. Never before has the title been held by an entire region - in this case a conurbation of 53 towns and cities. Hundreds of events will reveal a surprising new side to the Ruhr - Germany's former industrial heartland. These 300 hot air balloons for example - mark locations where coal mines were once active. The event is called Shaft Signs and shows how the Ruhr valley has re-invented itself since the 1980's. After thousands of manufacturing jobs were lost to foreign competition, local leaders decided to shake off the region's gritty image - and focus on culture and entertainment as a new economic motor.