A long-running fireworks display will no longer go ahead with organisers blaming dwindling volunteer numbers, soaring costs and bad weather.

The popular event which has attracted thousands of visitors to Palace Farm in Doddington, near Faversham, has been axed after 35 years.

It was forced to be cancelled last year due to bad weather but will not return in 2024, organisers confirmed today.

Announcing the decision, trustees for Doddington Village Hall committee, who organised the event, said it was “with regret” the group had decided to bring down the curtain on the popular attraction.

It comes as the increasing cost of putting on the show - with expenses rocketing to more than £6,000 – meant the last two displays operated at a loss.

Spokesman for the trustees Les Roberts said: “It is with regret the village hall committee has decided to discontinue the annual fireworks display at Palace Farm.

“The event has grown from a small community display to what has become a very popular, quality event.

“This decision was not taken lightly, many factors were considered.”

Mr Roberts said these included the “increasing likelihood of bad weather and the scale of the event” to ensure it meets the most “stringent health and safety regulations”.

He added: “Also, the number of volunteers required to man the event and what has become increasingly obvious, our team is not getting any younger.

“We must thank all you spectators for your invaluable support over the years.”

This year’s event was due to take place to coincide with and celebrate Bonfire Night in November.

The event was first hosted 35 years ago at Southdowns, a children’s care home and former boarding school in the village.

Over the years, it has also been hosted at the old Doddington Primary School (now known as the Infiniti School) before settling in at Palace Farm where well over a thousand people flocked each year to watch.

As many as 1,600 spectators attended one year, with crowds of about 1,400 becoming a regular occurrence for the hosts.