Storm Darragh Prompts Cancellation of Kent Christmas Festival

The Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival, a significant annual event in Kent, along with Rochester’s festive market, has been called off for Saturday and Sunday. This decision comes in anticipation of strong winds associated with the approaching Storm Darragh. A yellow Met Office wind warning is active for Kent, spanning from 15:00 GMT on Friday to 06:00 GMT on Sunday. Medway Council issued a statement confirming the cancellation of the festival, which draws tens of thousands annually, citing “the increasing high winds, which are forecasted to reach up to 50mph” as the reason. A council spokesperson conveyed that the authority “appreciates how disappointing this will be for those who had planned to visit this weekend.” The spokesperson further stated: “We have not taken this decision lightly, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of our visitors and everyone involved with either the market, Christmas village or festival.” The Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival, established in 1988, is an outdoor celebration featuring a parade along the high street, a carol service, and a market and funfair located in Rochester Castle gardens. These castle gardens will remain closed for all activities throughout the weekend. Typically, the event attracts visitors via coach tours from distant locations, resulting in crowded town streets. Additionally, Dover’s Winter Light Up, initially scheduled for Saturday, has been cancelled and rescheduled for 8 February. Nina Ridge, a BBC South East weather presenter, indicated that winds are “expected peak in Kent around midday on Saturday with gusts inland of 40-50mph and 60-65mph along the coast.” For further updates, follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for content on external sites and provides information on its approach to external linking.