Illuminated Whitby Abbey temporarily cancelled as Storm Boelo causes safety concerns
Illuminated Whitby Abbey, one of the highlights in the Yorkshire coast calendar, has had to cancel this weekend’s event due to the intense weather caused by Storm Boelo.
Storm Austen has already caused chaos in the south of England, however the north is now preparing for Storm Boelo, which is predicted to hit the Yorkshire coast this weekend. The Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds, which will be in place from 12pm Saturday (October 24) until 9pm Sunday (October 25). The entire Yorkshire coast is set to be affected, with Scarborough, Whitby and Bridlington all expected to be battered by intense gusts and heavy rain. A Whitby Abbey spokesperson announced via social media: “We're incredibly sorry to share that, due to the severe weather conditions associated with Storm Austen and Storm Boelo, we've had to make some changes to Whitby Abbey's opening arrangements.
"Illuminated Whitby Abbey is unable to go ahead tonight and this weekend. Full details below:
Friday October 23
• The site will be open in the daytime
• Illuminated Whitby Abbey will not take place
Saturday October 24
• Whitby Abbey will be open during the day until 2pm.
• Illuminated Whitby Abbey will not take place.
Sunday October 25
• Whitby Abbey will be closed all day.
• Illuminated Whitby Abbey will not take place.
“This is not a decision we've taken lightly and we're hugely disappointed, especially for everyone who was looking forward to visiting this weekend. However, the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers must always come first.
“We sincerely apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause.
“If you have pre-booked tickets for Illuminated Whitby Abbey, these will be automatically refunded within 10 working days and you don't need to do anything further.
“For those asking, unfortunately Whitby Abbey will not be lit during the cancellation period.
“We appreciate this is disappointing, however operating the illumination also requires staff to be working on site and within the grounds during severe weather conditions. As visitor safety is our priority, staff safety is equally important and we want to ensure everyone remains safe while the forecast conditions persist.
“Security will continue to be present on site working safely throughout the closure period.
“The good news is that there are still dates to come next week, as well as the popular Goth Weekend and we're hopeful we'll be able to welcome visitors back as soon as conditions allow. ”We will re-access the situation on Monday morning for the week ahead and provide a further update then.
"Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe during the storms.” Whitby Abbey are not the only ones having to cancel an incredibly popular event this weekend. North Yorkshire Council have also announced today that Scarborough’s Moonlight on the Lake event on October 23 and 24, has been cancelled due to the intense weather and safety concerns.