Scots festival cancelled as remains of Hurricane Ernesto to batter the country
dailyrecord.co.ukA popular Scottish festival has been cancelled this weekend as Hurricane Ernesto continues to batter the country.Organisers of Strathaven Balloon Festival made the difficult decision to axe their 25th-anniversary festival, which was due to take place on August 25 and 26, after forecasters predicted torrential weather.The hot air extravaganza has been bringing crowds of up to 30,000 people to the Lanarkshire market town for many years.
Spectators are captivated by the magnificent sight of the balloons taking to the sky, as well as parachute demonstrations as parachutists from Strathaven Skydive drop into the arena.However last night organisers announced the devastating news that their annual event has been scrapped over safety concerns for visitors.Posting on Facebook, they said: "The organising committee has been working since last September on plans for the 25th anniversary festival in 2024 with final arrangements being made this week ahead of the weekend."We have been keeping a close eye on the weather all this week in the hope that things would improve.
However, the priority of the organisers is the safety of all visitors, pilots, stallholders, musicians, volunteers and everyone else who is involved with the committee."The Forecast for this weekend is heavy rain and winds, which organisers claims are too strong for safe flying or tethering.They added: "The low cloud cover would stop the parachutists from jumping.
The winds are also forecast to be at the limits for market stalls and gazebos. We have already had to abandon plans for one park and ride site leaving us with only two.
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