Kite festival off after downpour

The opening of the festival went ahead on Saturday

The final day of a major kite festival on Wearside has been cancelled after heavy rainfall on the site.

Sunderland City Council said it called off its International Friendship Festival after an overnight downpour made the event site unsafe.

Thousands watched kite flyers from across the world perform at the opening of the festival in the Northern Area Playing Fields, Usworth, on Saturday.

Last year soaring temperatures helped attract 30,000 people to the event.

Val Craggs, Event Director from Sunderland City Council, said: "The weather overnight has made the ground unsuitable.

"It was a very difficult decision to cancel the festival but we must put the safety of the public first.

"I would like to thank everyone for their support and look forward to seeing you all at the festival next year."