Organizers have announced the postponement of the New Year’s Day Classic Gathering, a popular event featuring over 1,000 classic and modern sports cars, due to an unfavorable weather forecast. The gathering, traditionally held at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey, has been a major attraction in the past, drawing crowds of over 7,000 people. However, with stormy conditions and strong gusts of wind predicted, the event has been rescheduled to 4 January. The organizers assured attendees that tickets purchased for the original date will remain valid for the new event date.
The stormy weather has also caused other New Year’s Eve events in the area to be canceled or rescheduled. Among the affected events are charity fundraisers in Dorset, such as a handmade boat race in Poole Quay and the annual Lyme Lunge sea dip in Lyme Regis. The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, which organizes the sea dip, emphasized that safety was their primary concern in making the decision to cancel the event, scheduled to take place at 1:00 pm on New Year’s Day.
The event, which sees participants jumping into the cold sea, is a long-standing tradition in the town. The Rotary Club stated that they had to prioritize the safety of all those involved, including participants and spectators. Additionally, the annual fireworks display in Sandown, scheduled for 6:00 pm on New Year’s Eve, was also called off due to safety concerns related to the stormy weather.
One of the most unfortunate cancellations was the Bathtub Race and Classic Cars on the Quay event in Poole. This event, which typically attracts a large number of classic car enthusiasts and vintage vehicle fans, was also called off. Organizers explained that after receiving updated weather forecasts and advice from the Poole Quay Harbour Master, it became clear that the conditions would make it unsafe for both the Bathtub Race and the classic car display. Heavy rain and gale-force winds were expected, making it impossible to carry out these outdoor activities safely.
The cancellation of these events highlights the impact that extreme weather conditions can have on outdoor activities, particularly during the holiday season. Organizers have expressed their regret over the cancellations, but they have stressed that the safety of the public and participants is their top priority.
Despite the setbacks caused by the weather, organizers remain hopeful for the rescheduled events, particularly the New Year’s Day Classic Gathering, now set for 4 January. As the weather conditions improve, they are confident that the events can proceed as planned, with safety measures in place to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Additionally, the community remains committed to finding ways to support future events, ensuring that safety remains the top priority while still allowing for public enjoyment.
While the stormy weather has forced organizers to make difficult decisions regarding cancellations and postponements, it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor events and the need to remain flexible in the face of adverse conditions. With the rescheduled date for the classic car event, there is hope that the New Year will start on a positive note for both participants and spectators alike.
