Organisers took the decision to cancel the final day of the festival after thunderstorms, strong winds and rain battered the Dorset site Camp Bestival organisers were “devastated and heartbroken” yesterday (29 June) after making the decision to cancel the final day of the festival after adverse weather conditions prompted concerns over safety. Despite having enjoyed a prolonged summer heatwave, weather in the UK turned over the weekend, with torrential rain and gale-force winds battering the 30,000 capacity festival site at Lulworth Castle, Dorset. Conditions caused tents to flood and all stages were shut down by the team, amid health and safety concerns for artists, staff and guests. Some guests tweeted about the state of their camping equipment, after the weather took hold: Had an amazing time whilst we were there. Tent didn't survive but we will be back next year with a new one 😀 keep up the good work and stay safe pic.twitter.com/aa3nksG8W8 — Laura Seaton (@TiredmummyofTwo) July 29, 2018 https://twitter.com/LauraRaynes/status/1023553910294896640 The cancellation early on Sunday morning meant all acts billed for the day were unable to play. Sunday headliners Simple Minds tweeted their disappointment at the news, saying they were “very sorry to announce” that they would not be performing. Campsites remained open after the announcement was made, with organisers inviting guests to stay for the remainder of the weekend if they wished. Toilets, showers and traders also remained open. For those who wanted out, extra taxis were laid on to ferry people off site. In response to the cancellation, organisers of Camp Bestival have already announced they will be following up with their ticket refund policy. Responding to festivalgoers on Twitter, organisers said refunds would be issued as quickly as possible. “This has been such a tough decision but the safety of all you guys, the families, kids and our working staff has to be of paramount importance.” Festivalgoers who opted for this year’s new cashless system adopted by Camp Bestival and its ‘big sister’ Bestival are also now able to ‘cash out’ online for the next seven days. Users are advised not throw away their wristbands until the funds have reached their bank accounts. Despite the disappointment felt all round, organisers still reported Camp Bestival 2018, the eleventh year of the family festival, the best in the event’s history. A statement discussing the cancellation reads: “We have had the best three days in Camp Bestival’s history, it’s been our greatest ever show with all our favourite performers, shows, stages, and artists which we have thoroughly enjoyed sharing with you all. “You are by far the best festival audience and we love you dearly. This has been such a tough decision but the safety of all you guys, the families, kids and our working staff has to be of paramount importance.” Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.<doc-sep>THE BIGGEST STORIES ACROSS BRISTOL IN YOUR INBOX Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. SIGN UP Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Thousands of festival-goers have been left disappointed after bosses have cancelled the last day of Bestival due to torrential rain causing safety concerns. Revellers were waiting in their tents and campervans all morning today (Sunday, July 29) to learn whether today's musicians would be making an appearance. But early this afternoon, organisers announced the 'heartbreaking' decision its the main arenas could not be opened, following advice from the event's safety team. (Image: Matt Cardy/Getty Images) 'Utterly devastated' This year's festival, held Lulworth Castle in Dorset, was hailed by organisers as the 'best ever'. Scottish rock band Simple Minds were set to headline tonight, but the entire festival has been called off. A spokesperson said: “Dear Camp Bestival, we are utterly devastated and heartbroken to say that we have been advised by our safety teams that we cannot re-open arenas again today due to the severe weather and the forecasting of continual high winds and rain today. (Image: Getty Images Europe) "We have had the best three days in Camp Bestival’s history, it’s been our greatest-ever show with all our favourite performers, shows, stages and artists which we have thoroughly enjoyed sharing with you all. You are by far the best festival audience and we love you dearly. "This has been such a tough decision, but the safety of all you guys, the families, kids, and our working staff has to be of paramount importance." 'Absolutely gutted' Mum-of-two Carron Followell, from Weston-super-mare, who is at the festival said: "We are absolutely gutted. We've been holding on all morning to find out what's happening. "We were really looking forward Sean Lock. But we've had a great time, it's been fab. (Image: Getty Images Europe) "We're going on holiday tomorrow so there's no point travelling back to Bristol for one night. We're going to try to stay here but it's going to be hard to keep the kids entertained because there's nothing to do." Other festival-goers have taken to social media to voice their disappointment. Gemma Cooke wrote on Facebook: "Such a shame... we have had a great time. Thanks all at CB!" And Katherine Spinks wrote: "Shame, was great fun apart from the lack of hand-washing facilities and theft of my tent." How to get a refund - Organisers will issue its ticket refunds policy as quickly as possible. - Taxis are now available from Green Gate. - People are welcome to stay in the campsites which are open until 2pm on Monday. - Traders will remain open in campsites.<doc-sep>Bestival: Festival goers scream as STORM batters site FREE now and never miss the top Royal stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top Royal stories again. When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Camp Bestival has officially been cancelled. The festival organisers told devastated families at just after 13.30 this afternoon. A representative for Camp Bestival told Express.co.uk the refund policy for tickets will be published ASAP. UPDATE: 15.30, 29 July 2018 A Camp Bestival representative told a Twitter user: "Hi, we will issue our ticket refunds policy as quickly as possible x." Earlier they said: "We have been advised by our safety teams that we can not re-open arenas again today due to the severe weather and the forecasting of continual high winds and rain today. This has been the toughest decision we’ve ever had to make. x" UPDATE: 14.56, 29 July 2018 One camper has told of the 'tent tsunami' he and his family were rescued from, describing it as "the most frightening experience of my life to date". Howard Tingay posted on the Camp Bestival Facebook page: “I would like to thank those that rescued myself and two little girls from our tent in Camping plus green area.Most frightening experience of my life to date. "It was like a tent tsunami which took us all unaware. I had to dig my 4year old daughter out and my friends daughter. "I am so grateful to the kindness and help of the people passing. I would like you to know that we only haveminor injuries and still can’t believe it.. we are alive and well and in the car, safe and sound whilst friends surf through the wreckage. Thank you from the bottom of my [heart] sarah and family xxxx” UDPATE: 14.27, 29 July 2018 A woman camping at Camp Bestival last night commented on Facebook that she didn't think the campsites were safe. Emma Routen said: “What a hard decision to make. I think the campsites are pretty unsafe too and didn’t feel safe being told to stay there so left this morning. “Great news about a refund being issued as I am in the market for a new tent.” Jon Tinning added: " Tough decision. But well done for making it. "A very large tree split and came down near the backstage camping. With the amount of large trees around the site, that could happen and cause serious injury." UPDATE: 14.16, 29 July 2018 Bex Welch commented on the Facebook post announcing the cancellation describing the general camping area as “like the walking dead”. She said: “The scene in the general camping area is a bit like the walking dead with abandoned tents though which is a bit sad as the clean up will be even harder for staff!” On Twitter, Susan said: "Outrageous. Never before heard of a festival called off. No contingency. Why not open the big top even!!!!!" Camp Bestival: The festival has been cancelled after advice from the safety team We can not re-open arenas again today due to the severe weather UPDATE: 13.35, 29 July 2018 Camp Bestival has been cancelled. A message on the Camp Bestival website reads: “Dear Camp Bestival, we are utterly devastated and heartbroken to say that we have been advised by our safety teams that we can not re-open arenas again today due to the severe weather and the forecasting of continual high winds and rain today. “We have had the best 3 days in Camp Bestival’s history, it’s been our greatest ever show with all our favourite performers, shows, stages and artists which we have thoroughly enjoyed sharing with you all. You are by far the best festival audience and we love you dearly. “This has been such a tough decision, but the safety of all you guys, the families, kids, and our working staff has to be of paramount importance. “The campsites will remain open tonight if you want to continue with your Camp Bestival stay regardless of the conditions. Thank you so much for coming and please get home safely. Lots of love Robby, Josie and all the Camp Bestival family…” ESSENTIAL INFORMATION We will issue our ticket refunds policy as quickly as possible Taxis are now available from Green Gate You are welcome to stay in the campsites which are open until 2pm on Monday Traders will remain open in campsites People who have been at the festival this weekend are taking to Twitter to thank the organisers for keeping them safe. Mel Brolly said: “Loved my time at #CampBestival but an early escape was essential. Wow, what a weekend, what a storm.” Camp Bestival: Pictures coming from the site show how wet and windy it really is Camp Bestival: People are taking to social media to say their tents have been destroyed by the rain Another added: “We saw the weather warning late last night at #campbestival so packed up the tent and kids and slept in the car (our tent was already struggling in the wind). “One of the kids was sick in the night so we drove home at 6am. Think we made right choice.” Two hours ago the festival organisers posted to Twitter: “We’re currently reviewing the weather situation with your safety as our absolute priority.<doc-sep>Camp Bestival organisers are reviewing when they will open their arena on Sunday (July 29) after the site was hit by wet weather. The annual festival, held at Lulworth Castle, is a four-day event which attracts thousands of music lovers to Dorset. However a large number of attendees are reportedly leaving the site due to the heavy wind and rain overnight. BBC Radio Solent are reporting hundreds of tents are damaged. (Image: Getty Images Europe) A tweet posted by Camp Bestival at 12.39pm reads: "We're currently reviewing the weather situation with your safety as our absolute priority. "Campsites and traders are still open with food and drink available. "Next update at 1.30pm. Thanks for your patience." Somerset Live will bring live updates throughout the day. Updates will follow below. Are you at Camp Bestival? Have you been affected by the wet weather conditions? Email michael.taylor@trinitymirror.com or tweet @JournoMikeT. Want more news? To keep up to date with our latest news, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Find our Bath Facebook page here or Somerset's can be found here . Alternatively, follow us on Twitter - @BathLive and @SomersetLive .<doc-sep>
Camp Bestival organisers have cancelled the festival's final day on safety grounds after the site was hit by wet weather. The annual event, held at Lulworth Castle, is a four-day event which attracts thousands of music lovers to Dorset. However hundreds of campers began to leave the site on Sunday (July 29) due to the heavy wind and rain overnight. The Dorset festival organisers reviewed when they could open their arenas every hour but made the decision to cancel the day's entertainment. (Image: Getty Images Europe) Guests who want to stay at the campsite are permitted to do so. A statement reads: "Dear Camp Bestival, we are utterly devastated and heartbroken to say that we have been advised by our safety teams that we can not re-open arenas again today due to the severe weather and the forecasting of continual high winds and rain today. "We have had the best 3 days in Camp Bestival's history, it's been our greatest ever show with all our favourite performers, shows, stages and artists which we have thoroughly enjoyed sharing with you all. "You are by far the best festival audience and we love you dearly. "This has been such a tough decision, but the safety of all you guys, the families, kids, and our working staff has to be of paramount importance. "The campsites will remain open tonight if you want to continue with your Camp Bestival stay regardless of the conditions. "Thank you so much for coming and please get home safely. "Lots of love Robby, Josie and all the Camp Bestival family…" Somerset Live are bringing live updates throughout the day about the festival. You can follow live updates, below. Are you at Camp Bestival? Have you been affected by the wet weather conditions? Email michael.taylor@trinitymirror.com or tweet @JournoMikeT. Want more news? To keep up to date with our latest news, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Find our Bath Facebook page here or Somerset's can be found here. Alternatively, follow us on Twitter - @BathLive and @SomersetLive.