BURNLEY'S Balloon Festival has been hit by the weather.

The annual festival was due to start from 4pm today, but all flights this evening have been cancelled due to the state of the fields at Towneley Park.

Saturday morning's flights have also been called off.

Visitors are being asked to call a weather check line, 07833 760540, from 3pm on Saturday to find out whether the evening's flights are affected.

Thousands of people had been expected to descend on the town to see the 15 balloons of all different shapes and sizes soaring high above the skies at Towneley Park.

Scheduled events include the mass balloon launch, a freestyle Motorcycle Stunt Team and a Falconry UK Hawk Display.

Also due to appear are balloons of all shapes and sizes from the traditional balloon to the more unusual and historical ones such as Bertie Bassett.

Speaking before the cancellations, organiser Phil Rueben said: "The highlight of the show will be a spectacular fireworks display and 'Nightglow' where the balloons light up to music and will be elicit more oo's and ahh's than a near miss at Burnley Football Club.

"The wonderful choreography produces a rhythmic glow from the burners that light the balloons in time to the melodies of the great classics or the beat of rock and roll."

Mr Rueben added: "As well as the balloons there will be a lot of other attractions like the stunt displays, face painting and the funfair."

This year's festival is on until 8pm on Sunday. The festival, which has grown to become the largest event of its kind in the North West, costs more than £50,000 to put on with about £32,000 recouped through sponsorship, parking charges and traders' fees.

Admission is £4 per person or £12 for a family of four. For further details telephone 01282 414800.