Awesome spinning rockets burst in spectacular explosions during the Rocket Festival to mark the rainy season in Thailand.

The homemade rockets made with PVC pipes and explosives were set alight, and soared into the air before detonating in a shower of debris at the Kalasin Rocket Festival in northeastern Kalasin province on May 21.

Delighted villagers can be heard shrieking in excitement as the disc-shaped projectiles - a specialty of local rocketmakers - flew into the sky, leaving behind thick clouds of smoke.

Governor Supasit said: 'The festival aims to promote the local traditions and heritage among the residents, as well as boost tourism in the region to stimulate economic growth.

'We encourage the community to always be engaged in these events, and for people to use their leisure time in meaningful and productive ways.

'The festival also provided an opportunity for government agencies and local residents to collaborate and work together.'

Sawaeng Uttarak, mayor of the Kutwa locality, said: 'The collaboration between the Kutwa municipality, the Kalasin Provincial Office, and various related organisations were instrumental in organising the two-day festival.'

Thailand's Rocket Festival is held annually to honour Phaya Thaen, the Buddhist deity of rainmaking, as farmers and villagers pray for rain for a bountiful harvest. They believe the rockets help to stimulate impending monsoon downpours, which last until October of November.

Authorities also hope to pass down the decades-long tradition by organising spectacular shows that will fire the imaginations of younger residents.