ORGANISERS of Tavistock?s popular Balloon Fiesta may have been forced to cancel the event, but they are already working on a replacement for this August Bank Holiday Saturday. Tavistock Lions Club spokesman Steve Grummitt said they were very sorry the event had had to be cancelled due to health and safety regulations concerning the gas and were upset by the knock-on effect on those providing accommodation ? the abandonment had resulted in guest houses in the area suffering cancellations. He estimated that with approximately 60 balloons normally attending, the crews, supporters and families requiring accommodation would have taken up hundreds of rooms. But Mr Grummitt said the response from everybody to the cancellation of the event had been ?very sympathetic?, with one farmer even offering a field for the gas: ?We are working hard on a solution for next year, when we are hopeful it will start again.? A replacement event will take place in the Meadows and will be entitled the Bank Holiday Saturday Bonanza. Entry will be free, with events running from noon to approximately 6pm. Organisers are the Lions Club of Tavistock and the Tavistock Round Table ? not, as incorrectly stated last week, the Rotary Club. Included in the August 27 programme will be the usual Day at the Races, with six pantomime horse races sponsored by local businesses. A new attraction, the Battling Cumberland Giants will give two half-hour perfomances, fighting for the affections of Big Ethel. There will be by the Tamar Valley Westerners; the usual charity bazaar; magician Emazdad, sponsored by H & L Maintenance; clown Handy Andy and bouncy castles. Music will be provided by Soundhouse Brass. A free prize draw sponsored by Air South West will offer the winner two return flight tickets to Jersey.
