Storm Darragh: What’s on and what’s not in the Cambridge area as Christmas Head and Mill Road Winter Fair fall victim to high winds
The Christmas Head rowing race is the latest event to fall victim to Storm Darragh.
The race was due to be held today (Saturday, 7 December), along a 1,800m course between the Pike and Eel and Jesus College’s boathouse.
But organisers were forced to call it off amid the high winds that are wreaking havoc across the country.
They said in a statement: “Unfortunately we’ve made the decision to cancel the race. The wind will make it very hard to marshal, and the course would only be suitable for strong and experienced crews. We really wanted to run the race if safe, but do not think it’s worth the risk.
“Refunds will be sent to the card used for entry payment over the next couple of days.”
The Christmas Head is a light-hearted rowing race in which crews often wear fancy dress, while hot food, cakes, drinks and mulled wine are sold for spectators.
Storm Darragh had already forced the cancellation of the Mill Road Winter Fair, also due to take place on Saturday.
Shops and restaurants in Mill Road said they would still welcome visitors, however,
The Salisbury Club in Mill Road said it was still planning to hold an open day with mulled wine and other hot drinks, plus a stall with puzzles and gifts available to buy.
“We are going to play some bingo from 2pm - the games will be £3 a game and open to all members, guests and visitors,” the club said.
The Christmas in Cambridge festive village on Parker’s Piece is closed all weekend due to safety concerns.
Milton Country Park is also closed and will remain so until the winds die down and a safety inspection has taken place.
The National Trust has closed the Wimpole Estate and Anglesey Abbey for the weekend.
It said it was keeping a close eye on wind speeds at Wicken Fen and would update its website if it had to close.
The Cambridge United v Shrewsbury game at the Cledara Abbey Stadium is due to go ahead as planned today.
Weather warnings are in place across the country. In Cambridge, winds are expected to reach about 52mph on Saturday and up to about 50mph on Sunday morning, with heavy rain also forecast. The winds are expected to reduce by Sunday afternoon, with only moderate breeze and light rain by Monday.
