Midsummer Carnival cancelled due to weather forecast

THE MIDSUMMER Carnival due to take place later today (Saturday) in Lerwick has been cancelled due to the forecast of strong winds and rain.

Organisers said the decision was made after “much consideration”.

Due to the technicalities around licences and road closures it is not possible to postpone to another date, so it is set to return in 2023.

Organisers said the decision was taken with an 80 per cent chance of rain and high winds, and “this would not be pleasurable for either participants or spectators” – while “safety is paramount”.

The event raises money for the Callum Younger Reach Fund, and it last took place before the Covid pandemic struck. It sees a number of floats travel through the centre of Lerwick.

Chairman of the Callum Younger Reach Fund Malcolm Younger said: “It is disappointing for all, but we must go with the forecast, although it could be wrong. It was a difficult decision, but the right one as safety is priority.”