The first night of a three-day music festival was called off because of severe weather, organisers said. 

Jurassic Fields was due to open its gates yesterday afternoon, with the first act scheduled to perform at 3.30pm. 

The county was battered by heavy rain and strong winds throughout Friday, with the Met Office issuing Dorset with a yellow weather warning for wind.

READ: Jurassic Fields 2023: Festival gives Saturday go-ahead

The warning remains in place today, Saturday.

Early on Friday, on its social media page, the festival, held in Bridport, announced it was delaying opening the gates until 5pm because of the poor weather conditions.

However, in a further update, it announced it would not be able to open the site on Friday.

READ: Martyrs’ Festival 2023 cancelled due to extreme weather

A Jurassic Fields spokesperson said: "We have done all we can to make it happen but the weather is completely against us and the safety of attendees and crew is the most important thing.

"We are constantly monitoring the conditions and we will be giving updates as soon as we can, whilst dealing with the immediate situation."

Last night's turn of events will be disappointing for everyone involved - Jurassic Fields was set up as a not-for-profit organisation and is very much a community affair. 

After years at Asker Meadows, this weekend is its first at a new, bigger location at West Bay Fields off the A35. 

Organisers remain hopeful and will provide an update on whether or not the rest of the festival will continue at 9am this morning. 

The Met Office's weather warning will affect Dorset over the weekend.

A warning is in place for the whole county today and again tomorrow, Saturday.

The forecaster has said tomorrow will likely be an "unseasonably windy day" for the affected area.