The Sunday fireworks finale at this year's Northampton Balloon Festival has been cancelled because of the ongoing dry weather.

Organisers announced that the display, due to take place on Sunday, August 16, will no longer go ahead after advice from West Northamptonshire Council and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.

In a statement, the Northampton Balloon Festival said: "Due to the dry and arid conditions, we have been advised by WNC via the Northamptonshire Fire Service that we are not permitted to put on the fireworks finale on Sunday evening this year.

"We are sorry about any inconvenience but this is out of our control. We have to protect the environment and local residents from any harm."

The much-loved and nostalgic event took place at the Racecourse from last Friday to Sunday (August 15 to 17) for the third year since its relaunch at the original location.

placeholder image — The much-loved and nostalgic event took place at the Racecourse from last Friday to Sunday (August 15 to 17) for the third year since its relaunch at the original location.

The organisers said the festival's running order would now be changed and an updated programme is expected to be published online in the coming days.

The three-day event returns to Northampton Racecourse from August 14 to 16 and will still feature hot air balloon launches and glows, live entertainment, funfair rides, food and drink stalls, circus workshops and trade stands. Balloon flights remain subject to suitable weather conditions.

The festival's planned fireworks display had been one of the attractions advertised for the closing evening of the event.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking organisations and members of the public to take extra care during this prolonged period of hot and dry conditions and to not hold firework displays due to the safety risks.

A spokesperson said: “When temperatures are high and the ground is extremely dry, fireworks can pose a serious fire risk.

“Fireworks produce sparks, embers, and intense heat that can easily ignite dry grass, crops, woodland and even thatched roofs.

“Even a small spark can quickly develop into a fast-moving fire, putting people, property and wildlife at risk.

“In July, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service attended more than 200 fires in the open, many of which could have been prevented, so is asking people to take care to not cause fires and keep people, property and wildlife safe.”