WEATHER conditions forced the postponement of Sticklepath Fireshow on Sunday, the first time in its 17-year history.

Strong winds and rain on Sunday afternoon left organisers with little choice but to call off the event but the good news is that it will take place this Sunday.

Chairman of the fireshow committee Peter Williams said it was a big shame to postpone the annual spectacular but the weather conditions on Sunday afternoon were terrible.

'By around 6pm the weather had cleared and the wind dropped, the stars were out and the moon shining but unfortunately that's just one of those things,' he said.

'Our fireworks expert let some flares off in the afternoon and found the wind was blowing in a South South Westerly direction towards the village so we decided on safety grounds it was not a good idea.'

Mr Williams said with frequent announcements on local radio and phone messages most people knew what was happening.

'Because of the bad weather during the day I think a lot of people would have stayed at home anyway,' he said.

Although the fireshow had taken place in the past when weather conditions were not favourable, Mr Williams said the strong winds this time were the worrying factor.

'We were told that most of the Bonfire Night celebrations throughout the West of England had been cancelled or postponed for the same reason,' he said.

Sticklepath Fireshow is one of the most dramatic displays in Devon when, following a play involving local school children the stage is spectacularly, set alight and coincides with a firework extravaganza.

Mr Williams said the stage, constructed from scrap materials, had to be seen to be believed.

'The biggest praise for this event should go to Joe Gillespie who has been in charge of the build,' he said.

'It is a three dimensional set which gives the effect of a woodland and it is so so good. It is really too good to be set alight.'

He said the fireshow had grown over the last 17 years and like most things in life each year people tried to improve on previous endeavours.

The 53 marshalls who see that the fireshow goes smoothly will be back on duty on Sunday.

Gates open from 6pm on the Foundry Field in Sticklepath and the show begins at 7.30pm.