Christmas lights switch-on postponed as storm looms

Northampton Town Council said the potential safety risk to those attending was too great

A town's Christmas lights switch-on, due to take place on Saturday, has been postponed because severe weather is forecast.

The event in Northampton's Market Square is now due to take place a week later, on 30 November, starting at 12:00 GMT.

Storm Bert, the second named storm of the season, is set to bring snow, rain and strong winds to parts of the UK at the weekend.

Northampton Town Council said it decided to reschedule due to the safety risk from possible flooding and disruption.

Councillor Jane Birch said: "Safety is our primary concern and with the forecast of strong winds and torrential rain, we have decided the potential risk to those attending is too great for us to go ahead.

"The forecast is looking much better for the following Saturday, 30 November and we look forward to officially switching on Northampton’s lights and getting into the Christmas spirit, hopefully with a backdrop of some calmer weather."

Five large Christmas trees around the town and at the Guildhall would be illuminated from 22 November to create a festive atmosphere, she added.