Christmas events axed as storm looms

Impending strong winds have led to a number of festive outdoor events being axed.

A number of weekend festive events across the south of England have been axed ahead of Storm Darragh.

Damaging winds and localised flooding are expected to sweep in from Friday afternoon.

Markets in Romsey, Petersfield, Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Weymouth have been called off, along with the Illuminated event at Windsor Great Park and Banbury Lantern Parade.

The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning from Friday at 15:00 GMT until 06:00 on Sunday. Chiltern Railways has advised customers to only travel if "absolutely necessary" tomorrow.

Bournemouth Christmas Market said it was "absolutely gutted" the market and Alpine Lodge would be closed due to the forecasted severe weather conditions through Saturday and Sunday.

It said all affected bookings would be rescheduled or refunded.

Banbury Lantern Parade was due to set off from Castle Quay on Saturday at 16:45 but will instead take place on 14 December.

Organisers said: "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."

The Banbury Lantern Parade has been postponed to 14 December

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.

Chiltern Railways said services would be reduced on Saturday, with just one train an hour

Because of the warnings, Chiltern Railways is urging customers to travel only if "absolutely necessary" tomorrow.

The operator said it would be running just one train an hour.

It added that customers could use their Saturday tickets on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday instead.

Operations director Tony Baxter appealed for commuters to take "extra care" during the disruption caused by the storm.

Great Western Railway (GWR) also urged for travel plans review.

It said that while it expected to run train services, "the storm may cause disruption and delays".

The operator said customers could use their Saturday and Sunday tickets on Monday, and added the could claim full refund if they no longer wished to travel over the weekend.

"On Sunday, crew availability means a significantly reduced, amended timetable will be in place on long-distance services," GWR said.

"Online journey planners are currently not correct and will be updated overnight on Saturday."