More on KentOnline
A festival due to feature Nadine Coyle, Peter Andre and Blazin’ Squad has been cancelled due to “dangerous” weather conditions.
The organisers of Revival In the Park, which was going to take place in Mote Park this afternoon, has been called off following the Met Office’s yellow weather warning for wind.
Maidstone Borough Council has also announced its Maidstone Arts Carnival, also due to be held this afternoon in the town centre, has been cancelled.
A spokesman for the council said: “We would like to sincerely apologise to anyone who was planning on coming along to either event today, however we have to put the health and safety of visitors, participants and staff first and cannot risk having to stop the events mid-way through due to dangerous conditions.
“We have not taken these decisions lightly and they follow extensive discussions with health and safety advisors and Emergency Exit Arts who are organising the Arts Carnival event.
“Everyone’s safety, both customers and staff is paramount.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause.”
Festival Revival in the Park was due to feature musical artists including Peter Andre, Nadine Coyle, and Blazin’ Squad.
Organisers said: “We’re sad to announce that after discussions with local authorities, structural engineers, health & safety advisors, the emergency services and following a conference call with the met office, which included a site-specific weather forecast, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to cancel Revival In The Park.
“We’d like to sincerely apologise to all of our amazing ticket holders, those camping with us and everyone that was planning on joining us for the day but your safety is the most important thing and you will receive communications via email offering you alternative ticket options or a full refund.
“Every attempt was made to ensure that the show went on but we are not prepared to risk a potential mid-show cancellation, with site staff having to work at height during the worst of the weather.
“Everyone’s safety, both customers and staff is paramount.”
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind for large parts of the south of England and South Wales, with Scotland and Northern Ireland facing a yellow warning for thunderstorms.
Danson Lake in Bexley has also been closed due to the dangerous conditions.
Danson Park Adventures, which offers water and land activities including rowing boats and pedalos for hire on the lake, said on Twitter its row boats service is closed today due to the weather.