Villagers launched incredible DIY rockets made from PVC pipes and explosives to mark the start of the rainy season in Thailand.

Locals welcomed the approaching rainy season by celebrating the annual Kalasin Rocket Festival in northeastern Kalasin province on May 21.

Spectacular footage shows excited residents firing a UFO-like set of rockets - a specialty of local rocket makers - into the sky. In one of the launches, a rotating disc spun as it shot into the heavens, leaving a double helix trail of smoke in its wake.

The opening ceremony took place in front of the Kutwa Subdistrict Municipality Office, and was chaired by Kalasin Governor Supasit Korcharoenyod with various local organisations in attendance.

A three-mile long parade was also held featuring Thai folk dancers to showcase the culture of the local Phu Thai communities. Afterward, experts gave seminars on boosting tourism in the province.

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 organizing 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.