Events rained off but show must go on

A flotilla on the Ouse, which was to be the centrepiece of York’s Charter Weekend today, has been postponed along with tomorrow’s dragon boat race.

It is hoped the events, which were to mark 800 years since York was granted its Royal Charter by King John, can be rescheduled later in the year.

Sally Burns, director of communities and neighbourhoods for City of York Council, said the decision was made with regret, adding: “There is still a huge amount of events happening over this historical weekend.”

The MFEST music festival at Harewood House near Leeds, which was due to take place today and tomorrow, headlined by Texas and The Human League, has also been cancelled.

A spokesman said: “The public’s health and safety is of paramount concern, therefore it would be irresponsible to continue no matter how disappointed we all are.”

Information on ticket refunds will be issued on Monday.

Huddersfield’s Race for Life, which had been due to take place at Leeds Road Playing Fields tomorrow, is being rescheduled, Elland Carnival has had to be called off today and Kirklees Model Boat Club’s open day at Wilton Park, Batley, tomorrow has been postponed.

This weekend’s planned opening of Thirsk’s new £157,000 skatepark has also been called off and will now take place on July 21 at 1pm.

Organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show have moved to reassure the more than 100,000 visitors they expect next week that it will be business as usual on site and the event would go on.

However, bosses are looking at creating new car parking provisions as heavy rainfall threatens to turn fields surrounding the showground into a quagmire, with a number of alternative sites identified. Park and ride services will also be offered.

Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the show organiser, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said: “We are looking at alternative places to park as some of the usual places are looking likely to be out of action.

“We are making other provisions with straw, sand and ground guards so we can protect the fields if necessary.

“We will keep monitoring the situation closely but it is too early to make a judgment as it is still a few days away.”