Popular park festival is called off due to bad weather

A popular community festival has been cancelled due to poor weather.

Yesterday (June 14), Friends of St James' Park announced it had decided to pull the plug on today's St. James' Park Summer Festival 2024 because of the rain.

This created muddy conditions which would make putting up gazebos unsafe, organisers said.

Last year's event saw onstage singalongs as charities and businesses pitched up stalls.

In a statement released on social media yesterday, the group said: "We have some sad news.....

"Unfortunately, the weather forecast has not fallen in our favour and we have spent the last 48hours carefully considering all factors which might cause safety issues on Saturday - these include wind gusts, rain and a soggy field, low temperatures, and not being able to safely erect gazebos in such conditions.

"This morning we have had notice that forecast conditions tomorrow will not be safe enough to use any kind of inflatables or allow gazebos to be erected on the field.

"We have therefore taken the extremely difficult decision to cancel tomorrow's St. James' Park Summer Festival 2024.

"This decision has been taken with the safety and comfort of all our supporters - suppliers, stallholders, performers, volunteers and of course visitors to the event - as the priority.

"We are extremely sad to have made this difficult decision, and apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment this will undoubtedly cause.

"We extend thanks to everyone for continued support, understanding and patience through the next couple of days as we work to issue refunds for any bookings.

"We are totally committed to holding a successful and safe festival for all and believe that going ahead this weekend would put this in jeopardy.

"We are currently considering a new date in the next couple of months for a replacement festival - so please watch this space for further announcements.

"Thank you sincerely from all the team at Friends of St James' Park."