Matlock Bath Illuminations cancelled because of flood

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The parade of decorated boats on the River Derwent is the event's centrepiece

An illuminations event, which draws thousands of visitors, has been called off because rain has made the river "too dangerous".

It is the final weekend of the Matlock Bath Illuminations, which involves a flotilla of hand-decorated boats lighting up the River Derwent.

Organisers cancelled shows on Saturday and Sunday for the first time in 18 years after the river burst its banks.

They said water levels were subsiding but not quickly enough.

Ticketholders will received full refunds and the fireworks finale will still go ahead.

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The event dates back to 1897 and runs every weekend between the beginning of September and the end of October.

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