For the first time in its modern form, a performance of the Mystery Plays had to be cancelled on Thursday evening.

A heavy downpour made the set dangerous to perform on for the hundreds of company members.

Speaking at the time, chairman Jo Sykes said: "We are absolutely devastated. Everyone has worked so hard for so long, but the safety of our performers has to come first.

"Audience members have been hugely sympathetic. They even applauded the announcement because it was clear we couldn't go on."

Ticket holders were offered the chance to come to a performance later in the run, as the plays are on until July 19 at Chester Cathedral green.

Chester Mystery Plays, one of the largest community projects of its kind in the UK, involves hundreds of volunteers under professional direction and is expected to draw in around 12,000 spectators during its run.

The event takes place every five years, and involves a series of Biblical plays which attracts spectators from all over the world.

The plays are the first full-scale theatrical performance to hit the city since the closing of The Gateway Theatre in Hamilton Place last year.

After Thursday's deluge, the weather improved and Friday's performance was a huge hit after being allowed to go ahead.

Ruth Roberts, co-production manager, said: "It was a massive relief that we were able to go ahead on Friday."

For information on Chester Mystery Plays, either go to the Tourist Information Centre on Town Hall Square or the Chester Festivals box office at the Racecourse, call 01244 304618 or go to www.chestermysteryplays.com.