People may complain about cancellation of events, but what is so fun about being at a particular event (like a tea party) in howling gales and driving torrential downpours?
None whatsoever, neither for visitors or those who perform, exhibit or trade. I daresay the public would complain if an event went ahead in such adverse conditions, that’s if anyone turned out at all. But the fact that the warnings were given well in advance means less disruption all round.
If an event can be cancelled a few days in advance it saves a lot of hassle in setting up and a lot of money in last minute preparations, such as a food outlet ordering fresh produce to cater for a few hundred people. Most attractions and performers have insurance against cancelled events, so the event organisers wouldn’t have to foot that bill. Also, wherever there are extra people, there’s extra traffic!
I had to cancel a summer carnival one year even though the forecast was good for the day of the event. But it had been extremely wet for a few days previous and the decision was made due to the fields used for car parking being waterlogged. What would I have done with hundreds of cars otherwise?
On another occasion, I had to cancel a Christmas market evening held on streets closed to traffic for the event. Three days before the event, the diverted bus route along untreated back roads was icy, with more freezing weather forecast, so I made the decision. That was a good call, as we had deep snow on the intended event day, so I didn’t get any stick from disappointed members of the public! I seem to think that was December 3rd 2010.
The point of my ramblings is that there are an awful lot of things to consider, not least disappointing the public. Nobody wants to waste all the time and effort organising something, to then have to cancel it because of something you can’t control!
Market Warsop, North Nottinghamshire.
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