Artisan Christmas fair cancelled over storm fears

The artisan fair is held every week but on 7 December it was a special Christmas-themed event

A city centre Christmas-themed artisan fair has been called off due to strong winds.

Yolanda Eldaadaa from Peterborough had organised the fair, which takes place on the first Saturday of every month in the city's Cathedral Square. This Saturday's fair was "a special one" with a Santa sleigh and Christmas stalls, she said.

Heavy wind and rain has been forecast between Thursday and Sunday as part of Storm Darragh.

Ms Eldaadaa said: "Safety has to come first as the weather does not look good and winds look quite strong."

Yolanda Eldaadaa said it is disappointing to cancel the event but safety comes first

Nene Park had to partially shut its ongoing winter festival on Thursday due to high winds, after organisers cited it was "unsafe" for visitors.

About a dozen independent businesses from Peterborough were due to take part in the event on Saturday.

Ms Eldaadaa said organising events such as the fair was her business and she would lose money due to the cancellation.

"The businesses have been offered an option to move their stall to another date or take a refund," she said.

"We have businesses who bake and cook for a living taking part. So I had to take an early call on this and inform them in a timely manner.

"It was going to be special with a visiting Santa and Christmas arts and crafts and festive food on offer."

She intends to hold the market next Saturday instead, and added that it will include a Christmas choir.

Peterborough City Council, which organised the visiting Santa and his sleigh for the event on Saturday, has been contacted for a comment.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the winter festival at Ferry Meadows

The winter festival is running until Christmas Eve at Ferry Meadows, Peterborough, but it could be impacted further as the weather forecast remains in place.

Nene Park Trust said: "Due to the high winds forecast, sadly the enchanted forest full of trees is not the safest place to be, so Thursday's session has been cancelled.

"If you have tickets booked for today, you will get a full refund so you can book tickets for another date.

"We'll be keeping a close eye on the wind forecast over the weekend and posting any further updates before 12:00 GMT each day."