Christchurch, Events & Entertainment | Posted on November 22nd, 2024 | return to news
Christchurch Christmas lights event cancelled due to weather
The lights switch-on event scheduled for this Saturday has been cancelled following severe weather warnings.
The much-anticipated Christmas Lights Switch-On event in Christchurch has been cancelled at the last minute by the town council over concerns about this weekend’s stormy weather.
The event was due to take place on Saturday 23 November from 11am to 7pm in Christchurch High Street and Saxon Square.
But following weather warnings by the Met Office, Christchurch Town Council has announced the cancellation of the event.
According to the Met, Storm Bert is approaching the UK. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, snow, and strong winds to large swathes of the country over the weekend with National Severe Weather Warnings in place for Saturday and Sunday.
Earlier in the week, Dorset was beset by snow and icy conditions, causing schools to close and traffic incidents across the county.
Councilor Simon McCormack, chairman of the Christmas Working Group, said: “We are incredibly disappointed to have to cancel this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event, as we know how much it means to our community. However, the safety of our residents, visitors, and event staff must come first.
“Severe weather conditions predicted for Saturday would make hosting the event unsafe, but we look forward to welcoming everyone back for an even bigger and better event next year.”
“We’d like to thank the brilliant team at ORA for all of their hard work and dedication to bringing what would have been a magnificent event to Christchurch.”
The town’s Christmas lights will still be switched on this Saturday, and light up the town through the festive period, but the planned entertainment this weekend – including live music, games, market stalls and fairground rides – will not go ahead.
The event was organised by ORA Events this year. Andy Daish and Chris Farr, directors of ORA Events, expressed their regret: “As the first Christmas Lights Switch-On event we’ve organised for Christchurch, we’ve put our heart and soul into making it a magical experience for the community. To have to cancel due to the severe weather forecast is incredibly disappointing.
“However, safety always come first and we’re incredibly grateful for the support and understanding of everyone who was looking forward to the event. This is only the beginning and we’re already channelling our efforts into making next year’s Switch-On even more spectacular.”
Commenting on Facebook, several members of the public expressed their disappointment but understanding with the decision. Christchurch Chamber of Trade & Commerce said: “Such a shame as Nicole worked so hard in this event for the benefit of Christchurch. Sadly the weather is out of our control and better to be safe than sorry.”
Next year’s switch-on event is scheduled for Saturday 22 November.
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