The first day of the Great Dorset Chili Festival has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Antoni.

The festival was due to begin today at Stock Gaylard deer park at Lydlinch near Sturminster Newton.

However despite the best efforts of organisers to put the event on, it was confirmed this morning that the opening day has been cancelled.

The upgrade of the harsh weather to storm conditions left the event unable to go ahead, as their insurance would be invalidated

Organisers are still hoping for the festival to go ahead tomorrow (Sunday August 6) with the weather set to improve.

A spokesperson for The Great Dorset Chili Festival said: "So disappointing, but with the weather upgraded to a named storm (Storm Antoni) our insurance is invalidated.

"We really tried to push through, but it's beyond our control, and we are very sorry.

"But the weather looks good for tomorrow, and pre-purchased tickets are still valid for tomorrow."