ONE of the biggest free events in Herts due to take place this weekend has been cancelled.

Stevenage Day will not take place on Sunday after Stevenage Borough Council announced today (Friday) that the annual event would not be going ahead following several days of heavy rain.

The council made the decision because the King George V Playing Field is waterlogged, and the conditions will prevent vehicles accessing the field.

Cllr Howard Burrell, executive member for children and young people, culture, sport and leisure, said: “This is a sad decision but, given the current condition of the field, it is the most responsible one at this time.

“As in previous years, we were expecting many thousands of visitors and it is regrettable that we have had to disappoint so many people. This is the first time in 53 years that Stevenage Day has been cancelled but the safety of our visitors and exhibitors must be our priority.”

Last year’s event also proved to be wet and windy but went ahead as planned.