Oktoberfest canceled after Storm Amy, uninsured losses to next year

Organisers of Edinburgh Oktoberfest said they were forced to cancel this year’s festival after Storm Amy swept across the city last weekend, pouring away 7,000 litres of beer and destroying thousands of bratwurst and schnitzel because the event was uninsured. The festival, due to run from October 3 to 5 in Princes Street Gardens West, was called off on Friday and Saturday after the park was closed for public safety, and organisers told ticket holders on Monday that the event would not be rescheduled this month and would instead be rolled over to next year.

Organisers initially said they might postpone the event until the end of October, but a social media statement said most ticket holders preferred to transfer their tickets to next year. The update outlined the losses and added, "We were not prepared for this, no insurance, and now have to destroy 7,000 litres of good beer, thousands of bratwurst and schnitzel and much more." The statement said organisers wished they could distribute the food and drink but would instead invite attendees to a fresh event next year.

Storm Amy brought heavy rain and extremely strong winds as it moved over parts of Ireland and the United Kingdom...