Storm Darragh cancels Christmas lights switch-on

Melton Mowbray will be lit up but the switch-on event has been cancelled

A Leicestershire town's Christmas lights switch-on event has been cancelled due to Storm Darragh.

Melton Mowbray's festive displays were due to be formally turned on on Friday.

But with gusts of up to 60mph forecast and a yellow weather warning from the Met Office in place, a decision has been made to cancel parts of the town's Christmas programme.

Melton Borough Council said it would not have been possible to carry out the planned event safely.

Borough councillor Sharon Butcher said: "Although the light switch on event is not taking place, the lights will be turned on for the weekend, ensuring the town looks festive for our residents during the Christmas period."

Melton Business Improvement District's Christmas Market will still be taking place on Friday with reduced opening hours from 10:00 to 14:00 GMT, ending ahead of when the strongest winds are forecast.

The market will then relocate to The Stockyard to take place undercover over the weekend.

A car boot sale scheduled to take place at The Stockyard on Sunday has been cancelled.

St Mary's Christmas Tree Festival is also going ahead as planned from Friday.