Christmas lights switch-on event cancelled due to Storm Darragh

·      Weather warnings risk safety of outdoor stalls and event stage

·      Craft market postponed to the New Year

·      Christmas lights will still be switched on without the event

Tamworth Borough Council’s Christmas lights switch-on event planned for 7 December, has sadly been cancelled due to forecast high winds. The craft market has also been postponed to the New Year, date to be arranged.

The switch-on event was originally planned Saturday 23 November, but postponed due to Storm Bert. Storm Darragh is now set to bring dangerous high winds across the country this weekend, making it unsafe to run an outdoor event.

People are reassured that the lights will now be switched on from 3.30pm on Friday 6 December, but sadly the official event to mark the occasion with a stage entertainment and outdoor stalls cannot safely take place this year.

The Christmas craft market planned for this weekend has been postponed to the New Year due to the bad weather forecast. We expect fewer visitors because of the weather, which would affect the small business stallholders. To encourage the market's success and to support local businesses, the event is being re-scheduled to the New Year, date to be announced soon.

Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, leisure and engagement, said: “Our priority is keeping people safe. Unfortunately, the weather is once more against us and set to bring very high wind gusts, meaning our planned events are not safe for performers, traders, visitors and our staff. So, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel the switch on event and postpone the craft market.

“We’re proud of our Christmas lights event, and it is always wonderful to see the delight from children and families at this event. We’re extremely disappointed that it can’t go ahead this year. However, we will not compromise anyone’s safety.

“There is much our town centre has to offer, including Santa’s festive village coming to town on the 20 – 22 December, and I’d encourage people to continue to visit over the festive season to shop local and to support the local high street and join us at the weekly markets and the special craft market in the New Year.”

While the weather may keep some away, visitors are invited to still come along to Tamworth and support St Editha’s Church fayre and Small Business Saturday by shopping local and visiting small business across the town centre, along with free parking at Tamworth town centre at all council run car parks.

Santa’s festive village is also coming to Tamworth on 20 – 22 December. Holloway lawn in the Castle Grounds will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland filled with festive experiences for all the family to enjoy.

The village will feature a range of interactive activities, including a visit to Santa’s Grotto with a small gift for each child, real life reindeer, gingerbread decorating, story time with Mrs Claus and more.

The village will be beautifully decorated with lights, festive music and seasonal food and drinks available. To book a slot, see: https://www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk/whats-on-rv?webeventid=santasfestivevillage