Christchurch Town Council’s Christmas lights switch-on event has been cancelled in light of the bad weather forecast for the weekend.
The celebration was scheduled for Saturday 23rd November 2024 in Christchurch High Street and Saxon Square.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warnings as Storm Bert approaches the UK and 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.
Councillor 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.”
The Christmas lights across Christchurch will still light up the town as planned throughout the holiday season and will be switched on this Saturday, without the live event.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to come to the High Street and Saxon Square to experience the festive charm, support local businesses, and celebrate the season in the safety of their own time.
Andy Daish and Chris Farr directors of ORA Events, the organisers of the Switch-On, also 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.”
Looking ahead, Christchurch Town Council is already preparing for the event’s return in 2025. Mark your calendars for Saturday, 22nd November 2025, when the Christmas Lights Switch-On will be back, promising to be bigger and better than ever before.