Festive events cancelled as Storm Bert looms

Watford Town Centre Winterfest was last held in November 2023

Two town centre winter events have been cancelled because severe weather is forecast.

Watford Town Centre BID said Winterfest, planned for Saturday afternoon, would now not go ahead.

Sunday's Christmas Carnival in Harpenden has also been called off.

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.

The annual event is enjoyed by all ages

Watford BID said the traditional parade and Christmas lights switch-on would not take place as "the safety of town users, staff and attendees must be prioritised".

Manager Kara Mesiano said: "A lot of time, thought and discussion has been put in before reaching this difficult decision.

"With no funfair rides and no event stage, we unfortunately do not have the elements we need for Winterfest."

The town's festive lights would be illuminated late on Saturday, she added.

Harpenden Town Council said the predicted high winds meant it would be unable to open market stalls, music stages and funfair rides.

"The safety of residents, traders and event staff is always at the forefront of our decisions even though we appreciate how disappointing this is to everyone," it said.

Pre-booked craft activities in Park Hall will go ahead and Santa’s Grotto will be relocated in Bennets Main Hall.

Its Christmas tree and lights will be switched on at some point during Sunday, it added.

Bedford Borough Council has also delayed its Christmas lights switch-on event on Saturday by a week.