THE organisers of a fun day dedicated to raising funds for Mudeford’s RNLI have spoken of their ‘devastation’ after bad weather forced them to cancel the event.

Volunteer Cheryl Dennett, who coordinates the day, said conditions were “too dangerous” for the event to go ahead.

The show was due to feature a raft race, a funfair, stalls and displays by Army display team the Lightning Bolts.

Cheryl said: “We all feel absolutely flat and devastated.

“We were all there for quite some time on Sunday morning discussing it. None of us wanted to say ‘This needs to be cancelled’, but it was obvious that it did.”

Gazebos were not safe to be installed in yesterday’s high winds. It also was not possible to erect the main arts and crafts tent, which is one of the day’s big draws, Cheryl said.

Organisers decided that it would not be safe to hold the raft race, while the Lightning Bolts were also forced to withdraw.

“When we were standing at the quayside, it really was very windy indeed,” Cheryl said.

“It has to be safe for everyone.

“The rafts were a concern – there would have been 19, many of them not particularly stable.”

The event was established to raise funds solely for the Mudeford branch of the RNLI.

“It really is a shame, but safety is the most important thing,” Cheryl added.

The weather also forced the cancellation of the Ellingham Show, which was due to take place at Somerley House.

The New Forest Fairy Festival in Burley was also called off at the last minute on Saturday due to the high winds. Those who had bought tickets for the Saturday were able to use them for yesterday’s event.

Gloomy weather is expected to return this week, with showers today and strong winds and thundery showers on Wednesday, while most other days will see sunny intervals.