Water companies have been criticised for pressing ahead with hosepipe bans and restrictions despite widespread flooding which led to many outdoor events being cancelled.

United Utilities confirmed its hosepipe ban would begin on August 5 in the North West even though the torrential rain in the region meant firefighters were finally able to stand down from blazes at Saddleworth Moor and Winter’s Hill.

In Dorset downpours and gales forced organisers to cut short the music festival Camp Bestival, where headliners Simple Minds were due to close the event on Sunday evening.

A statement on the festival’s website said: “We are utterly devastated and heartbroken to say that we have been advised by our safety teams that we can not re-open arenas again today due to the severe weather and the forecasting of continual high winds and rain today.”