Saturday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK has been canceled, marking the first time – COVID-aside – that the event has been called off.
After heavy rains battered the Goodwood estate on Friday, strong winds are forecast for Saturday, and following several hours of speculation, Festival organizers have now confirmed they will not proceed with Saturday’s activities.
“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),” organizers said in a statement. “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.
“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.”