Storm Darragh Prompts Cancellation of Festive Events Across Southern England

Numerous festive events scheduled for the weekend throughout southern England have been cancelled in anticipation of Storm Darragh. The storm is predicted to bring damaging winds and localized flooding, commencing Friday afternoon. Specific cancellations include Christmas markets in Romsey, Petersfield, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, and Weymouth. Additionally, the Illuminated event at Windsor Great Park and the Banbury Lantern Parade have been called off. The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning, effective from Friday at 15:00 GMT until 06:00 on Sunday. In response, Chiltern Railways has recommended that customers travel only if “absolutely necessary” on Saturday. Bournemouth Christmas Market expressed that it was “absolutely gutted” that its market and Alpine Lodge would be closed because of the severe weather conditions forecast for Saturday and Sunday. The organization stated that all impacted bookings would either be rescheduled or refunded. The Banbury Lantern Parade, originally scheduled to commence from Castle Quay on Saturday at 16:45, has been rescheduled for 14 December. Organisers commented: “We know you’ve all worked hard on your lanterns, and we can’t wait to see them shine! Let’s make sure we do it safely.” Windsor Great Park announced the cancellation of its light show, which was set to run until 4 January, citing the park’s “extreme weather policy”. A small business taster market, initially planned for Saturday on Commercial Road in Portsmouth, has been postponed until 15 December. In their announcement regarding the cancellation, Romsey Markets stated: “The chance of two storms hitting Romsey in the last few weeks is frustrating…” and “It is with great sadness we have had to cancel the forthcoming A Taste of Christmas Markets this Saturday.” Organisers also mentioned that traders had been extended an invitation to the South Central Makers market, scheduled for 15 December in the town centre. Petersfield Festivals commented: “After months of planning, promoting, and preparing for a magical weekend, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to prioritise everyone’s safety.” A Santa Sleigh run through Petersfield has also been stopped, with a grotto, the sleigh, and elves now scheduled to visit the United Reformed Church on College Street during the weekend as an alternative. In Weymouth, the organisers of the Frost Fest Christmas Market indicated that flooding in Radipole Park and Gardens, coupled with a high wind warning, meant “we are unable to proceed with the event”. The Newport Carnival’s Christmas Parade on the Isle of Wight, originally planned for Saturday evening, has been postponed to 17:00 on 20 December. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market announced it would commence operations at the later time of 13:00, “subject to weather conditions”. Substantial disruption is anticipated throughout the weekend, and the public is advised to verify event cancellations, road closures, or public transport delays prior to commencing travel. Storm Darragh follows two weeks after Storm Bert, which also caused the halting of Christmas lights switch-ons. Due to the warnings, Chiltern Railways is once again advising customers to travel only if “absolutely necessary” on Saturday. The railway operator indicated that it would operate only one train per hour. It further stated that passengers holding Saturday tickets could utilize them on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday as an alternative. Tony Baxter, the operations director, urged commuters to exercise “extra care” amidst the disruption brought about by the storm. Great Western Railway (GWR) similarly recommended a review of travel plans. GWR stated that while train services were anticipated to operate, “the storm may cause disruption and delays”. The operator informed that customers could use their Saturday and Sunday tickets on Monday, and also mentioned that a full refund could be claimed by those who no longer wished to travel during the weekend. GWR noted: “On Sunday, crew availability means a significantly reduced, amended timetable will be in place on long-distance services.” It added: “Online journey planners are currently not correct and will be updated overnight on Saturday.”