Christmas events cancelled as Storm Darragh looms

Windsor Great Park said its light show, due to run until 4 January, was cancelled in accordance with the park’s “extreme weather policy”.

The small business taster market planned for Saturday in Commercial Road, Portsmouth, has been postponed to 15 December.

Announcing the decision to cancel, Romsey Markets said: “The chance of two storms hitting Romsey in the last few weeks is frustrating…

“It is with great sadness we have had to cancel the forthcoming A Taste of Christmas Markets this Saturday.”

Organisers said traders had been invited to go to South Central Makers market planned in the town centre on 15 December.

Petersfield Festivals said: “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 halted, with a grotto, the sleigh and elves set to visit the United Reformed Church on College Street over the weekend instead.

In Weymouth, organisers behind the the Frost Fest Christmas Market said flooding in Radipole Park and Gardens, combined with a high wind warning meant “we are unable to proceed with the event”.

On the Isle of Wight Newport Carnival’s Christmas Parade planned for Saturday evening has been postponed to 17:00 on 20 December.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market said it would open at the later time of 13:00 “subject to weather conditions”.

Significant disruption is likely over the weekend with people being urged to check events for cancellations and road closures or delays to public transport before setting out.

Darragh comes two weeks after Storm Bert halted Christmas lights switch-ons.