SEVERAL popular events had to be cancelled this Bank Holiday weekend due to forecast high winds and rain.

In Dawlish, there was disappointment as the fourth Turn The Tide environment festival, due to be held on Monday on the Lawn, was cancelled.

It had already been scaled back to a one day event as work is ongoing on the Lawn by South West Water.

Event organisers said it was ‘with a considerable amount of regret’ they have taken the decision not to go ahead.

They said: ‘Having consulted with our project managers and seeing wind forecast gusts of up to 40mph affecting the west and south coasts, we concluded we couldn’t risk going ahead with an outdoor event.’

Efforts were made to find an alternative option and thanks to Dawlish Celebrates Carnival committee, it was agreed to host it at the same time as Dawlish Loves Dogs which is being held on Sunday June 1 at Warren Farm.

Several live music acts had also been lined up to perform.

Among them was popular singer Ellie Finnerty but she was able to switch her gig at the last minute to Shooters social club in Sandy Lane.

Donation buckets were at the bar for the crowd to make donations to Turn The Tide.

Also a victim of the poor weather forecast was Shaldon Water Carnival’s Spring Fete.

This was due to have been held on Shaldon Green on Monday.

Organisers said: ‘This was a difficult decision to take but the safety of our volunteers, craft sellers and attendees, young and old, must always be the committee’s first priority.

‘Our huge apologies to everyone who was looking forward to attending our fantastic fete.

‘We hope to see you all in much better weather in August, for our fabulous Water Carnival.’

The crowning of the 2025 Royal Party will now take place at the beginning of Shaldon Water Carnival itself, on Saturday August 2.