Northampton Christmas Light switch on rescheduled due to Storm Bert
It will now taken place in Market Square on Saturday 30th November
Northampton's Christmas Lights Switch On, which was due to take place this Saturday 23rd November at the Market Square, is now rescheduled due to the adverse weather forecast for this weekend.
The town council say it will now happen next Saturday 30th November between 12 – 6pm.
Storm Bert is predicted to bring winds of up to 46 miles per hour, along with several hours of heavy rain on Saturday, with the Met Office issuing a yellow warning of disruption and flooding for the area.
Northampton Town Council has made this decision to ensure the safety of the public, performers and stall holders.
Councillor Jane Birch, Chair of the Community Services Committee at Northampton Town Council, said: "Safety is our primary concern and with the forecast of strong winds and torrential rain, we have decided that the potential risk to those attending is too great for us to go ahead.
"We have a stage and several marquees which could be seriously affected by the weather and we want the event to be as enjoyable and as safe as possible for all involved.
"The forecast is looking much better for the following Saturday, 30th November and we look forward to officially switching on Northampton's lights and getting into the Christmas spirit, hopefully with a backdrop of some calmer weather.
"The five large Christmas trees around the town and at the Guildhall will be illuminated from the evening of 22nd November to create a welcoming festive atmosphere for visitors and shoppers over the coming week."
The stage schedule for Saturday 30th November remains largely unchanged, with headline act Billy Lockett and the Northampton Sings Out Choir set to perform to celebrate the countdown to the most magical time of the year.
A glittering cast of Panto Stars from the Royal & Derngate and The Deco Theatre, including Cbeebies' favourite Andy Day, Britain's Got Talent's Ashley with Sully the dog, plus TV actors Chris Wills and Colin Ridgewell, will be joined onstage by Santa, the Mayor of Northampton and special guests ahead of the big switch on at 5pm.
The Silent Disco Project, V&B Festive Bar, food stalls, entertainers and activities will be open from midday.