This years Oie Houney fire festival will no longer go ahead after organisers decided more time was needed to plan an event of its scale.

It was due to take place on October 24. But organisers said they had been forced to cancel the event due to safety concerns.

The decision was made following discussions with Douglas City Council, with organisers citing the need to ensure the right plans and arrangements are in place to welcome attendees safely.

In a statement, organisers said the event had generated a ‘fantastic level of interest and enthusiasm’, but that this brought a responsibility to ensure it could be delivered safely.

They said a number of options had been explored before the decision was made to postpone the event.

Organisers acknowledged the news would be disappointing, particularly for those who had already dedicated time and effort to preparing for it, and thanked supporters for their understanding.

They added that the focus would now be on developing a stronger plan for a future Oie Houney, with more time to work through the details and create the best possible event.

Organisers said, ‘We're hugely grateful for your support and understanding and sorry we won't be able to bring everyone together this year.

Our focus now is on building a stronger plan for a future Oie Houney, giving us the time to work through the details and create the best possible event for everyone. We'll also be looking ahead to the return of Oie Voaldyn in 2028!’

Opportunities for people to get involved in planning future events are expected to be shared over the coming weeks.

Oie Houney, meaning ‘November Eve’ in Manx Gaelic, is the traditional Manx name for Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest and the start of winter.

It is considered the island’s original New Year’s Eve and is the tradition behind the annual Hop-tu-Naa celebrations.