Health and safety experts have warned the ‘build and set-up’ of the event in Trafalgar Square cannot go ahead
The annual Diwali on the Square has been cancelled(Image: Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Attendees preparing for Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square have been told not to travel into Central London on Sunday (October 25) as bad weather means it is no longer safe for the celebration to go ahead.
The free Diwali event has been cancelled as storms batter parts of the UK and London is experiencing hours of rain and strong winds. The Mayor of London Lord Sadiq Khan has issued a statement explaining the late cancellation.
The statement read: “We are very sorry to announce that London’s Diwali on the Square celebrations this Sunday (October 25) have been cancelled following the recommendation of independent event health and safety experts.
“With storms forecast on Saturday, the event health and safety leads have advised it would not be safe to carry out the build and set-up required to stage the event in Trafalgar Square on Sunday. The decision to cancel the event has been taken in line with their professional advice, with the safety of everyone involved the absolute priority.
“This decision has not been taken lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for everyone who was looking forward to the celebrations, as well as the volunteers who have put so much time, energy and care into preparing for this year’s event. However, the safety of Londoners and visitors must come first.”
The Mayor announced the cancellation due to the storms, making it unsafe to set up the event(Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
The Diwali in London Committee has also released a statement on the cancellation. It reads: “It is with deep regret that the Diwali in London Committee announces the cancellation of Diwali on Trafalgar Square.
“Following expert safety advice in light of the forecast storms, the event cannot go ahead safely. Adverse weather forecast for Saturday is affecting preparations at Trafalgar Square and poses potential risks to the health and safety of the teams preparing the site.
“The decision to cancel has been taken in consultation with relevant experts and the Greater London Authority (GLA) team. The safety of site teams, participants and visitors must come first.
“We know how much this celebration means to everyone who was looking forward to attending. We are particularly saddened for the young performers, participants and volunteers who have devoted so much time, energy and care to preparing for the day. We share their disappointment and thank them for everything they have contributed.
“We apologise for the short notice and thank our partners, production teams and the GLA for their support and work towards the event, and everyone affected for their understanding.
“We ask visitors not to travel to Trafalgar Square for the celebration and to help share this announcement with anyone planning to attend.
“We hope you will continue to support the DiL Committee and future celebrations. We wish everyone a peaceful and joyful Diwali.”
Some 200 dancers, live performers, and activities were set to take place but that will no longer be happening due to the bad weather.
The UK is currently being battered by Storm Boelo, the second storm in a matter of days. Even though it is not known whether the storm will severely affect the capital, the wet weather has disrupted travel and transport.
The Met Office said weather warnings remain under constant review and could be updated as confidence in the forecast increases.
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