Storm Bert Prompts Cancellation of Christmas Lights Events

Storm Bert’s anticipated arrival in the south of England this Saturday has led to the cancellation of several Christmas lights switch-on events. The storm is forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds, with yellow Met Office warnings issued. Throughout Hampshire and Dorset, including towns such as Romsey, New Milton, and Dorchester, festive gatherings—many incorporating parades and performances—have been called off. Forecasts indicate torrential rain for the majority of Saturday, accompanied by wind gusts reaching 40-60mph (65-96km/h). Most organisers of the cancelled events confirmed that despite the absence of live switch-on ceremonies due to the weather, their Christmas lights would still be illuminated at some point during the weekend. Brewery Square, responsible for Dorchester’s switch-on, issued a statement: “This decision wasn’t made lightly and we have been holding on to hope, but we need to prioritise the safety of our performers, suppliers and visitors.” They added, “With conditions like this, it simply wouldn’t be the magical evening we all envisioned!” In Dorchester, the Christmas Market is scheduled to proceed as planned. Christchurch Town Council conveyed its “incredibly disappointed” sentiment regarding the necessity to cancel the town’s planned lights switch-on. Simon McCormack, chairman of the town’s Christmas working group, stated, “Severe weather conditions predicted for Saturday would make hosting the event unsafe, but we look forward to welcoming everyone back for an even bigger and better event next year.” Alan Watson, representing the Lions Club of New Milton, indicated that the danger associated with holding the Hampshire town’s Christmas Festival and Parade was “too great.” This annual event typically draws up to 7,000 attendees, featuring 80 market stalls and a parade through the town. He further commented, “An awful lot goes into it – it’s more frustrating for the people of New Milton who look forward to it every year, it’s even more of a disappointment for the children.” Portsmouth’s We Shine lights arts festival, which utilizes various venues across the city, has also announced the cancellation of its outdoor installations for Saturday night. Organisers confirmed that the indoor installations would still proceed. For Maidenhead, Berkshire, the fireworks component of the town’s Christmas lights switch-on event has been cancelled. Additionally, the outdoor market, musical acts, and performances have been relocated inside the town hall. The Wokingham Lions Club also declared that the town’s Winter Carnival would not take place. A statement from the club read: “We realise that this is disappointing not only for those who were looking forward to attending the event, but also for the many charities and voluntary organisations who would have used the event to raise funds.” A yellow warning for rain is effective from Saturday at 06:00 GMT until 23:45 on Sunday. Concurrently, a yellow warning for wind is in effect from 15:00 on Saturday until 21:00 Sunday. Significant disruption is anticipated throughout the weekend, and individuals are advised to verify event cancellations, road closures, or public transport delays before commencing their journeys. Correction 4 December: This article has been amended from a previous version which incorrectly attributed the cancellation of the Christmas lights switch-on in Christchurch to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. The cancellation was, in fact, made by Christchurch Town Council.