Bewdley Regatta cancelled due to rain

Bewdley's annual regatta which attracts thousands of spectators and a music festival in Stourbridge have fallen victim to the woeful weather.

Bewdley Regatta, due to take place this weekend, has been cancelled due to the high level of the River Severn and safety fears for the event's competitors.

Meanwhile an outdoor music event planned to take place in Stourbridge's Mary Stevens Park on August 11, as part of SmartFest, has also been downscaled and moved indoors because of fears over the continuing heavy rainfall.

Bewdley Rowing Club, which organises the town's regatta, said it was concerned the water levels would make it harder for the dozens of crews to use the landing stage.

A tree is also stuck in the water and is blocking the racing route which has prompted safety fears.

The annual two-day event attracts around 200 competitors and thousands of spectators who line the river bank to watch the races.

The club is now planning an informal day of "friendly races" on Saturday and has just invited clubs from Stourport, Worcester, Bridgnorth and Loughborough to take part.

Organisers of SmartFest have been able to move most of the music event to Stourbridge Town Hall on August 11. But outdoor activities planned for the park, including a children's zone, an arts and crafts event and a fun fair have been scrapped.

The rest of the free three-day arts festival, remains unaffected.

For a week-long weather forecast for the West Midlands and Staffordshire click here