Leith Gala Cut Short Due to Inclement Weather
A disappointing end to the Leith Gala on Saturday, as organisers were forced to bring the event to a close earlier than anticipated due to severe weather conditions. The Leith Festival, responsible for staging the annual gala day, made the difficult decision to end the event just after 12pm, citing "appalling weather and dangerous thunder and lightning" as the reason.
According to a post on the Leith Festival’s Facebook page, obtained by Midlothian View, the organisers had tried to persevere but ultimately had to prioritise safety. The post read: "Due to appalling weather and dangerous thunder and lightning. For safety reasons we are closing the gala day event. This was not an easy decision. We did try to persevere but today the weather was not on our side. Thanks to all traders and public that braved the weather."
The sudden end to the gala day has left locals feeling frustrated and disappointed. Many took to Facebook to express their discontent, with one commenter stating, "That is so very disappointing, there are so many people who put so much effort and time into this each and every year." Another commenter showed understanding, saying, "Thanks to the organisers for persevering. You made the safe decision."
The Leith Gala, a popular event in the Edinburgh calendar, typically attracts large crowds and features a range of activities and entertainment. However, with safety concerns taking precedence, no announcement has been made regarding a potential reschedule of the gala day.
As reported by Midlothian View, the decision to end the event early was not taken lightly, and it is understood that the organisers will review the incident to ensure that such a situation does not arise in the future.
In a statement, Midlothian View understands that the safety of attendees is of utmost importance, and it is clear that the organisers took all necessary precautions to ensure a safe outcome. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the weather and the need for event organisers to be prepared for such situations.
The Midlothian View will continue to provide updates on this story as more information becomes available. In the meantime, residents and attendees can share their thoughts and opinions on the event via social media.
The article was written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson, and first published on Midlothian View.
