Footage shows locals launching colourful rockets into the sky for the annual festival in Yasothon province on May 15.

This year’s event was held at the Phraya Than Public Park after being postponed for two years due to Covid-19.

More than 30 rockets from participants were launched from morning until afternoon while devotees from across the region watched.

Governor Chonlathee Youngtrong said: ‘People believe that this event is the act of worship to the rain spirit who will bring rain to the villages and a good crop of rice.'

The best DIY rocket during the festival was awarded a prize of 30,000 baht (698 GBP).

The rocket festival, which was also celebrated in other Thai provinces, began as a Buddhist ceremony where it was customary to light up a dead monk’s cremation fire using a rocket. As locals put more effort into their homemade rockets, the tradition evolved into a festival and later on a competition was held for enthusiasts.