PENARTH Town Council has announced that this year’s Summer Festival Downhill Derby has been cancelled after it clashed with a Sailing Regatta.

It had been hoped to move the Downhill Derby to Beach Road, but once it proved difficult to gain permission from the police and highways department there were plans to move it back to Cliff Road.

But now that there is a Sailing Regatta being held over two days, including on Carnival Day on July 19, it has proven too difficult for both events to co-exist on Penarth Esplanade as boats would need access throughout the whole day.

A spokesman from Penarth Town Council said: “The decision to leave the Downhill Derby out of this year’s festivities was not taken lightly; originally we decided to give the event a fresh approach, by having it take place on Beach Hill. Unfortunately this request was refused so we decided to find a replacement event for this year; however we would like to assure you that the Downhill Derby will be back with a bang next year in time to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Summer Festival.”

He added that there was “an incredible variety of acts and activities planned to take place throughout the town” throughout the Summer Festival period from July 10 until July 20.

“This year’s festivities will begin with our longstanding friends and talented favourites, the Cliff Top Artists, followed by Razzle Dazzle Theatre School’s excellent rendition of another firm favourite, The Wizard of Oz,” he said.

“The festival will continue to showcase a variety of local talents, including dance and drama groups and an enviable range of bands and artists.

“For those who like to get stuck in there will be a plenty of events to join in on such as Penarth Athletic Club’s treasure hunt on Friday, July 11 and The Arty Monkey will be bringing a variety of arts and craft materials and circus play for children on Saturday, July 12.

“This year we are incredibly pleased to be re-kindling the historic relationship between the Town Council and Penarth Yacht Club to add the Sailing Regatta to the Summer Festival bill on July 19 and 20.

“The inflatable Go Kart track will be making a comeback this year alongside the RNLI rescue helicopter displays.

“Some new and very exciting showcases feature in the programme this year including the extremely talented (and brave) RAF Falcons who perform in some incredible skydiving displays at the cliff top in the afternoon of Carnival Day. The amazing Team Extreme will also be joining us in a new summer festival event.

“Team Extreme will be delivering some staggering BMX ramp stunts this year whilst the beloved Downhill Derby has a break.

“If you find that all of this excitement is too much, there will be plenty of opportunities to wind down at a coffee morning, fishing competition or simply to sit down in the park and listen to music.

“The summer festival also provides the perfect opportunity to try something new to eat with an interesting variety of street food and some fantastic offers and events from Foxy's Deli throughout the 10 days. Due to its overwhelming success last year, there is also the GPG Food Festival to look forward to on July 20 bringing you a variety of local produce at The Kymin from 11am-4pm and marking the end of this year’s festivities.

“Carnival Day will be spectacular this year with the range of exciting activities taking place at both the Esplanade and Cliff Top. We hope to see you there.

“The Festival Programme will be available in the week commencing June 23 so look out for your copy and hold onto it tightly. Once they are gone…they’re gone.”