Goodwood Festival of Speed is cancelled on Saturday due to severe wind warning posing ‘serious risk’
- The Met Office has predicted winds of up to 55mph in some parts of England
Goodwood Festival of Speed has been cancelled after a severe wind warning posing a ‘serious risk’, making it the first time the event will not run in its 30 year history.
The motorsports festival, which takes place each year at Goodwood House in West Sussex, said in a statement that the strong winds could make temporary structures unsafe.
Organisers urged those with tickets not to attempt to access the site.
It comes as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning of strong winds across the southwest of England and west Wales between 9am and midnight on Saturday.
Meteorologists said that winds are expected to reach 40mph, with 50 to 55mph winds expected in exposed places such as over the hills and along the south coast. Travel disruption is also expected.
While the event is expected to resume as planned on Sunday, Saturday ticket holders will not be able to attend as the event is completely sold out.
Goodwood Festival of Speed has been cancelled after a severe wind warning posing a ‘serious risk’ making it the first time the event will not run in its 30 year history
The Met Office said winds are expected to reach 40mph, with 50 to 55mph winds expected in exposed places such as over the hills and along the south coast
The motorsports festival, which takes place each year at Goodwood House in West Sussex, said in a statement that the strong winds could make temporary structures unsafe
Those who had tickets for Saturday’s show will receive communication over the coming days with regards to a refund.
The festival organisers also urged those who planned on attending tomorrow’s event to let any other ticket holders in their group know about the cancellations.
Those who are camping over the weekend are able to continue to use the campsites but were warned to be careful during the high winds and to consider taking down gazebos and awnings.
Tents should also be secured with additional pegs or demounted the peak window period to avoid any safety issues. Campsite managers will be on site to help those braving the storm.
Tonight a statement on the event’s website read: ‘It is with deep regret that we have taken the decision that the Goodwood Festival of Speed will not go ahead tomorrow.
‘After consulting meteorologists, health and safety experts and other key stakeholders, we have taken the decision to close the event site due to a severe wind warning in the Goodwood area.
‘On-site safety is our highest priority and the forecasted high winds will pose a serious risk to various temporary structures across the site. We politely ask that you do not travel to Goodwood or attempt to access the site.’
Pictured: Yellow weather wind and rain warnings in place for Saturday
It added that the decision ‘had not been made lightly’ and that the Duke of Richmond, along with the whole Festival of Speed team, is ‘deeply saddened that the event will not run for the first time in its 30 year history.
Across the country, travel chaos is expected this weekend, with Britain set to battle another weekend of miserable weather – despite a record breaking heat-wave in other parts of Europe.
Delays to air, wind and ferry transport across the south-west of England and Wales are expected, whilst Brits abroad in Benidorm seek refuge from the searing heat in local bars.
Downpours are expected across most of the country, particularly in the west, with heavy rain and thunderstorms predicted by the Met.
In London, however, there could be some sunny spells with highs of 23°C in London.
Rain and wind is expected to ease throughout the week with cool temperatures forecast.
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