Weekend events off as rain and thunder forecast

Thundery showers are forecast for some areas on Saturday and Sunday

A weekend forecast of wind and rain has led to the cancellation of events along the south coast of England.

Thundery showers and coastal gusts of up to 45mph (72km/h) are predicted.

Swanage Fish and Food Festival, Radipole Park Fun Day in Weymouth, a gala at Portchester Castle and a cheese and wine event at Shamrock Quay in Southampton are among those to have been called off.

The Isle of Wight's annual Round the Island yacht race is scheduled to go ahead on Saturday but smaller boats may be excluded, organisers said.

The Swanage festival, which was due to be held on Saturday and Sunday, said it was concerned about "very wet and windy weather predictions".

It said: "We are totally committed to holding a successful and safe festival for all and believe that going ahead this weekend would put this in jeopardy."

Organisers of the Round the Island Race said they were monitoring the forecast

Saturday's event in Weymouth, to celebrate a £1m revamp of Radipole Park, will be rescheduled, organisers said.

Shamrock Quay said "potential thunderstorms" on Saturday meant its event would now be held on 6 July.

BBC South weather presenter Alexis Green said Saturday could see "squally conditions".

She said the day would be breezy with sunny intervals and showers or rain, which could be heavy and thundery.

Sunday could see thundery showers but less strong winds, she added.

Organisers of the Round the Island Race said they might decide to exclude some classes of boats.

Race safety officer Mark Southwall said: “We will only cancel fleets where there is a significant chance that the majority of the fleet could get into difficulties and risk injury to the crew, a situation that could quickly overwhelm the support services."