The highly anticipated Goodwood Festival of Speed has been canceled for the first time in its 30-year history due to a severe wind warning that poses a “serious risk.” Organizers made the difficult decision to cancel the motorsports festival, held annually at Goodwood House in West Sussex, after considering the potential danger posed by strong winds to temporary structures on the site.
In a statement, the festival organizers urged ticket holders not to attempt to access the site and apologized for any inconvenience caused. The cancellation comes as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds across the southwest of England and west Wales from 9 a.m. to midnight on Saturday. Meteorologists predict wind speeds of up to 40 mph, with exposed areas such as hills and the south coast experiencing gusts of 50 to 55 mph. Travel disruption is also expected.
While the festival is expected to resume as planned on Sunday, Saturday ticket holders will be unable to attend as the event is completely sold out. Those who had tickets for Saturday’s show will receive communication in the coming days regarding refunds.
Campers staying for the weekend are permitted to continue using the campsites but are advised to exercise caution during the high winds. They have been warned to consider taking down gazebos and awnings and to secure their tents with additional pegs or even consider dismantling them during the peak windy periods to ensure safety. Campsite managers will be present to assist those braving the storm.
The decision to cancel the festival was not made lightly, according to the statement on the event’s website. The organizers consulted meteorologists, health and safety experts, and other stakeholders to prioritize on-site safety. The severe wind warning and the potential risks to temporary structures prompted the closure of the event site.
The cancellation of the Goodwood Festival of Speed will undoubtedly disappoint motorsports enthusiasts, and the Duke of Richmond, along with the entire Festival of Speed team, expressed deep sadness that the event will not take place this year.
As the cancellation coincides with severe weather warnings across the country, travel disruptions and inclement conditions are expected. Delays to air, rail, and ferry transport in the southwest of England and Wales are anticipated, while people in Benidorm seek respite from scorching temperatures in local establishments. The forecast predicts heavy rain and thunderstorms, particularly in western regions, with London experiencing some sunny spells and temperatures reaching up to 23°C.
Although rain and wind are expected to ease in the coming week, cooler temperatures are forecasted, leaving many hoping for improved conditions and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities in the near future.
