Longleat closed today due to bad weather

Saturday, 23 November 2024 05:55

Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire will be closed today (Saturday 23 November) due to the forecast of strong winds.

The decision was taken to ensure the safety of visitors and Head of Operations Scott Ashman says there was no question that safety must be first.

“Closing the site during one of our showcase events – The Festival of Light - is not a decision taken lightly but safety is paramount and with wind gusts predicted to top 50mph, it was, in the end a simple one to make,” he said.

“The Festival of Light is a spectacular lantern display with some reaching 12 metres tall and we also have a 15 metre high Christmas Tree. This is in addition to the thousands of trees across the 9000-acre estate, all of which are vulnerable to high winds.

“We have been monitoring the forecasts all week, as we know they can change, and we didn’t want to disrupt people’s plans if that was to happen. However, the forecast has worsened so we took the decision to close today to ensure we gave visitors as much notice as possible.

“We have put in place automatic refunds for everyone who has booked and invited them to reschedule on a day which suits them, if they wish to do so. Naturally rebooking is subject to availability, but we hope the majority can be accommodated.

“We know it will be disappointing for families who have booked to come here but we also know they will understand we must put their safety at the centre of all we do.”

Scott said the estate will continue to monitor the weather situation but are currently planning to reopen on Sunday, 24th November, with any changes updated on its website www.longleat.co.uk

More from Local News

Tributes paid to Stuart Withers after fatal accident in Salisbury

Tributes are being paid to Stuart Withers, who was knocked down and killed in an accident in Salisbury yesterday (22nd November) morning.
Salisbury's match against Maidstone United is ON

Salisbury's match against Maidstone United this afternoon is ON!
Shops tested on 'Challenge 25 policy' when selling knives

Almost 60% of shops visited by during a week of action focusing on knife crime passed the 'Challenge 25 policy' and didn't sell knives or bladed articles to under-age shoppers.
SEND families invited to online meeting to hear updates on SEND support

Wiltshire Council is inviting families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to participate in an online session as part of the consultation on the funding for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Salisbury MP visits local primary school

Salisbury's MP has visited Winterbourne Earls Primary School and answered children's questions on a range of subjects.
Man in his 70s dies after Exeter Street collision

A man in his 70s has sadly died following a road traffic collision in Salisbury City Centre this morning (22nd November).
Weather Warning: Salisbury set for Heavy Rain this weekend

The Met Office has put a yellow weather warning in place across the area thanks to Storm Bert.
Salisbury Station Forecourt Scheme reaches key milestone

The Salisbury Station Forecourt project has achieved a major milestone with the completion of its first phase of improvements.