Estate cancels lake activities after algae found

Holkham Hall and Estate said it had to cancel all of its lake-based activities until further notice

An estate has cancelled its water events due to high readings of blue-green algae in its lake.

Holkham Hall and Estate in Norfolk said it had to suspend some activities that were part of the Gone Wild Festival with Bear Grylls, which is taking place at the site on Saturday and Sunday.

Blue-green algae, technically known as cyanobacteria, is a collection of microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams.

"Our own lake-based activities at Holkham - boat hire and pond dipping - are suspended until further notice," said a spokesperson for the estate.

Exposure to high levels of any blue-green algae blooms - whether by contact with water blooms, swallowing that water or inhaling airborne droplets - can cause health effects in people.

These can include diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

The festival said its swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and raft building had been cancelled after water testing.

People attending who had pre-booked a water-based activity were expected to be refunded in full, the festival added.

Gone Wild Festival is due to take place from 7 and 10 August and will include performances from artists such as Clean Bandit and Blue.

The festival said it had tested the water for blue-green algae twice and the readings were too high

Holkham Estate said: "Gone Wild has cancelled all lake activities to prioritise the health and safety of all their attendees."

An assault course was still set to take place but obstacles where people would enter the water were removed.

Holkham Estate said it usually runs lake-based activities during the six-week summer holidays.

It added: "Apart from organised activities, access to the lake is not permitted.

"This does not impact general visitor access to Holkham or any of its other attractions, all of which remain open as usual."