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Fireworks display at Leeds Castle in Maidstone cancelled due to bad weather

Bad weather has led to the cancellation of several of Kent's fireworks displays tonight.

Thousands were expected to attend one of the biggest, at Leeds Castle in Maidstone, with organisers promising 25,000 starbursts would fill the sky above the historic attraction.

Fireworks at a previous Leeds Castle. Picture: Matthew Walker
Fireworks at a previous Leeds Castle. Picture: Matthew Walker

But following heavy rain and winds of up to 60mph in the area this morning organisers decided to call the event off for "safety reasons".

A statement from Leeds Castle said: "With much regret Leeds Castle has taken the decision to cancel this evening's Fireworks Spectacular (Saturday 2nd November) because of the extreme weather conditions.

"The safety of our guests is of paramount importance to us.

"Those who have purchased tickets for this evening's event will be contacted to arrange a full refund as the tickets will not be valid for Sunday's display.

"For those holding tickets for the display on Sunday 3rd November, we expect the event to go ahead as planned.

"We apologise sincerely to all who were looking forward to the event as much as we were."

Only hours earlier organisers said the fireworks display would go ahead despite the bad weather.

A Met Office yellow weather warning came into force at 4am and lasts until 6pm tonight and has already caused another firework display to be cancelled.

Tomorrow's fireworks event is due to kick off at 5.30pm and kmfm Drivetime presenter Rob Wills doing a live DJ set, while Breakfast's Garry and Laura will be there for the countdown.

Kent Life in Sandling also had to cancel their event due to bad weather but has rescheduled it for Saturday, November 9.

A statement from Kent Life said: "It is with great regret that we will be postponing our fireworks event this evening.

The weather warning covering Kent
The weather warning covering Kent

"We have been in close liaison with our fireworks display team, and we have not taken this decision lightly.

"We are looking to reschedule to Saturday 9th November as we are unable to transfer the tickets to Sundays event, we will be sending an email with further details shortly.

"If you have tickets for Sunday 3rd November - this will still be going ahead as planned.

"We do understand that this is a huge disappointment but the safety of our guests is of the utmost importance."

Bad weather also caused the fireworks display at Great Lines Heritage Park in Medway to be called off.

It comes as the Environment Agency issued a flood alert for the River Medway from Forest Row to Penshurst, including Ashurst.

Organisers of the Motormania with fireworks at Lydden Hill Race Circuit also took the decision to cancel tonight's event. It has been rescheduled to next Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Folkestone Invicta Football Club says its fireworks display tomorrow is still going ahead.

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