15 July 2023 , 11:46
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The world-famous Goodwood Festival of Speed was cancelled on Saturday for the 'first time in 30 years.'
Severe winds are forecast to hit 45mph, forcing organisers to call off today's auto festival hours before it was due to kick off. It was feared gusts could damage temporary structures at the four-day West Sussex motorsport event, that reportedly brings in 210,000 people annually.
After 10pm last night ticket holders were told not to travel to the Goodwood House site. A spokesperson added Sunday’s event is sold out but will go ahead.
Their website says: "It is with deep regret that we have taken the decision that the Goodwood Festival of Speed will not go ahead tomorrow (Saturday 15 July 2023)." Social media users praised the Goodwood team for prioritising customers’ safety.
A mum said: "Absolutely gutted! Have a very distraught 10 year old who been counting down the days till Goodwood. Fully appreciate the decision and safety is absolute paramount!
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"Can’t have been an easy decision! Travelled yesterday to Southampton to break the journey up. Now having to travel back home again."
A man said: "Obviously gutted not to going (sic) but definitely the right decision. A tough one to make for those involved but I’m very grateful that everyone’s safety was the priority. Looking forward to next year."
"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," organisers added. "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.
"This decision has not been made lightly and His Grace, The Duke of Richmond, along with the whole Festival of Speed team, are deeply saddened that we will not run the event on Saturday for the first time in its 30 year history. "The event will resume as planned on Sunday.
"Sunday is a sold out day. Anyone with a Saturday ticket will not be able to access the site," the statement continued. "All ticket holders for Saturday will be communicated with in the coming days regarding a refund, and we ask that customers requesting refunds please do not try to contact the ticket office over the weekend."