THE Goodwood Festival of Speed has been cancelled for the first time in its 30-year history – amid a severe 50mph wind warning.
In a statement on Friday evening, the motorsport show’s organisers said that the winds could make temporary structures unsafe.
PAThe Goodwood Festival of Speed has been cancelled[/caption]
They asked ticket-holders to stay away from the festival site near Chichester in West Sussex.
The statement 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.”
It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds across the southwest of England and west Wales between 9am and midnight on Saturday.
Winds are forecast to reach 55mph in exposed places, with travel disruption also expected.
The event is expected to resume as planned on Sunday, with Saturday ticket-holders set to receive details about refunds.
Campsite managers will help those staying at Goodwood brave the storm over the weekend.
It comes as fuming residents say they are trapped in their homes by the Goodwood Festival of Speed – and are taking action against gridlocked roads.
