ORGANISERS of the much anticipated Ryde Carnival have said they are 'gutted' at having to cancel tonight's event (Thursday) due to the forecast of more rain.

On top of an already wet day, the Met Office have forecast more rain from 6pm, turning heavy.

Carnival organisers say they made the decision on safety grounds and that a wet evening would affect spectator numbers too.

In a statement by Ryde Carnival Association, a spokesperson said: "We've been watching the weather all day, and we're really sad to say we've had to cancel the carnival tonight.

"We've been in touch with the Met Office, with rain predicted between 6pm and 7pm, with heavy rain at 8pm."

Isle of Wight Speedway chiefs pulled the plug on this evening's speedway event yesterday (Wednesday) in anticipation of bad weather today.

The statement continues: "At the end of the day, we want to keep people safe.

"The forecast is good for Saturday's Illuminated Carnival. We're really gutted we've cancelled tonight, but please come and support us on Saturday because it's going to be an epic carnival."

Saturday's Illuminated Carnival starts at 8.30pm.