The RAF has confirmed that its free Chinook display in Manchester's St Peter's Square will now run for one day only, with Sunday's event cancelled due to adverse weather warnings.
The event, part of the RAF's nationwide Town Show tour, was originally scheduled for Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October. It will now take place on Saturday only, from 10am to 4pm.
Safety decision behind the change
In a statement issued this afternoon (October 23), a spokesperson for the RAF said: "The Royal Air Force has confirmed changes to this weekend's RAF Town Show in Manchester due to adverse weather conditions and high winds associated with Storm Austen.
"Originally scheduled for Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, the free event in St Peter's Square will now run for one day only, on Saturday 24 October, between 10 am and 4 pm. Sunday's event has been cancelled.
"The decision was made with the safety of visitors, RAF personnel and event staff as the overriding priority. Visitors attending on Saturday will still have the opportunity to explore an RAF replica Chinook, discover the range of careers available and speak with serving personnel about life in the Royal Air Force."
Storm warnings and travel impacts
Two storms are expected to bring damaging winds and heavy downpours across the country this weekend. Forecasts suggest Storm Austen could bring gusts of 60-70mph to the region today.
A yellow wind alert will be in place across the north for a separate Storm Boelo on Saturday and Sunday, with warnings of very windy and wet conditions. The Met Office has also issued an Amber Alert for the storm, in place from 9pm Saturday to 9pm Sunday, warning it could bring strong winds across Scotland, the far north of England and parts of Northern Ireland until Sunday night.
People attending Saturday's event have been warned that high winds and weather could impact public transport throughout the day, including bus, tram and train services in the city.
Other event cancellations
The weather has already forced Chester Zoo to close today, while events including Halloweenville in Warrington and the Quayside Makers Markets in Salford Quays have also been cancelled this weekend.
