Broadstairs Water Gala postponed due to predicted strong winds and rain

Broadstairs Water Gala Photo Carole Adams

Broadstairs Water Gala has had to postpone the event, which had been due to take place tomorrow (August 2) due to  predicted  strong to gale force winds.

Some evening music sessions, funfair rides and possibly the fireworks may may still take place this evening but the annual event has been moved to August 23.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for tomorrow, predicting: “Widely wet and windy with swathes of rain. Strong winds, with gales possible along English Channel coasts.”

Gusts are predicted to reach  45-50 mph, possibly 60mph in the most exposed areas of far south and south west England.

Organisers issued a statement today (August 1) saying: “We are so sad to announce that we cannot go ahead with the planned activities for Water Gala tomorrow.

“The weather has beaten us again- the latest Met Office daytime forecast is for heavy, squally showers with possible thunder / lightning with strong to gale force winds along the coast.

“It would not be safe for us to attempt to run an event with water / beach and bandstand activities, plus our stall holders who help to pay for the event would not be able to set up marquees / gazebos along the promenade.

“The funfair will still be open throughout the day, however some rides/ attractions may not be able to operate.

“If the wind moderates as forecast, we are still planning for the night time bandstand music, firework display and funfair to go ahead but we will have to review this early Wednesday morning when we’ve seen the updated forecast .

“Finally some good news. We will be rescheduling the Water Gala activities and events to Wednesday August 23rd- hopefully summer will at last be here by then, along with a grand firework finale.”

For updates keep an eye on the water gala facebook page here