THOUSANDS of people huddled round bonfires and watched incredible firework displays light up the sky, which could only mean one thing - it was raining in East Lancashire.

But the heavy downpours and thunder and lightning failed to stop families enjoying their local bonfire.

The biggest events were at Witton Park in Blackburn and Clitheroe Castle, which returned after a one-year hiatus because of safety concerns.

To avoid repeat problems, the Clitheroe bonfire was ticket-only, with about 4,600 tickets sold.

There was some disappointment after a printing error on tickets meant some people turned up late and missed the fireworks.

The event started at 6.30pm, but tickets said 7.30pm. Bonfire committee chairman Bill Barker said: “I had one nice lady ring me up today to complain because she got to Clitheroe and was parking up when the fireworks started.

“It is a shame but what can you do?

“Other than that it was a great night, despite the weather, and I had people coming out at the end slapping me on the back and saying how good it was.”

Witton Park bonfire organiser Norman Walker said he was stunned at the support for the event, despite the weather.

He said: “In view of the weather, it was remarkable. “We probably had about 7,000 or 8,000, where we usually get 15,000, but it was absolutely sheeting down with 60mph winds.

“They were still coming out and supporting us and it was a good night all round in the end.”